Sr. Innovation Manager

Role Summary

The Sr. Innovation Manager will lead development of new innovation platforms, product ideas, and claims, and drive cross-functional teams to deliver products to launch readiness. The role requires building a multi-year pipeline, managing multiple projects, and guiding teams through stage gates to deliver consumer-driven innovations for a leading global brand. This position is based in Warren, NJ with in-office presence three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation platform identification and project delivery for a leading brand
• Execute on-time delivery of several projects as part of a robust 3-year pipeline
• Build and validate consumer-driven propositions, business cases, concepts, pricing, packaging direction, and launch support scenarios
• Project management to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on time in full, guiding projects through stage gates
• Represent pipelines and projects in governance meetings and retailer engagements
• Transfer developments to marketing partners for commercialization and launch
• Collaborate with Brand, Insights, R&D, Sales Strategy, Finance, and other key partners
• Engage with third-party partners at senior levels to accelerate pipelines and timelines
• Maintain external awareness of trends, ingredients, and culture relevant to the role
• Demonstrate consumer obsession with formulations, science, look, and feel, delivering superior products
• Develop strong business cases, forecasts, and manage budgets with strong financial acumen

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree
• Required: Minimum 5 years of dedicated innovation experience
• Required: At least 4 years of combined experience across marketing, consumer insights, and innovation
• Required: Proven track record in P&L and budget management
• Required: Demonstrated success in building and delivering a long-term innovation pipeline
• Required: Strong ability to uncover and apply actionable consumer insights
• Required: Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Required: Experience leading cross-functional teams within a matrixed organization
• Required: Familiarity with U.S. category dynamics and market landscape
• Required: Experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry

Skills

• Project management
• Cross-functional leadership
• Consumer insights and market analysis
• Strategic thinking and business case development
• Financial forecasting and budgeting
• Communication and stakeholder engagement

Education

• Bachelor’s degree