Brand Manager - Innovation

New York, USA (Hybrid)

$135K/yr – $150K/yrMid Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 2 months ago

Top 1% of applicants do these two things.

The other 99% submit and hope. You're about to do something different.

Job Summary

Drive end-to-end product innovation in a consumer foods business, leading cross-functional teams from ideation to launch.

  • Must-have: 5+ years in CPG with new product commercialization and IRI/Nielsen data experience.
  • Standout: Leading cross-functional programs (R&D, Marketing, Sales) and external partners.
  • International scope and MBA preferred are nice-to-have signals.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Innovation Development: Lead the innovation and renovation pipeline from ideation through stage gate to launch, driving whitespace and category growth opportunities.
  • Guide cross-functional teams (R&D, Purchasing, Finance, Insights, Creative) and collaborate with the Project Management Office to deliver innovation projects on time and to standard.
  • Partner with R&D to develop optimal product formulas that address consumer needs and preferences.
  • Develop and test new concepts using consumer insights and market research; integrate findings into project strategies.
  • Create compelling customer presentations and marketing briefs for new product review meetings, partnering with Creative, Brand Activation, and Sales for seamless launches.
  • Business Management: Define and prioritize a robust pipeline of profitable ideas and projects in alignment with strategic growth objectives.
  • Lead and direct external partners, including agencies and suppliers, to ensure integrated execution.
  • Work collaboratively with Sales Strategy to deliver marketplace execution plans and prepare impactful presentations for key accounts.
  • Category, Customer & Consumer Trend Analysis: Map category landscapes, identify emerging trends, and assess the business potential for new ideas.
  • Manage external and internal analyses of competitors, customers, and market trends, translating insights into actionable business strategies.
  • Demonstrate passion for the food industry, proactively detect trends, and convert insights into executable plans that drive growth.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field; MBA preferred.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in the CPG industry, including both base and innovation business.
  • Proven experience with new product commercialization.
  • Strong analytical skills, with experience using syndicated data sources (e.g., IRI, Nielsen).
  • Strategic thinker with long-term vision and business acumen.
  • Strong leadership presence, effective communicator, and interpersonal skills at all levels.
  • Skilled in managing cross-functional projects, prioritizing tasks, and working within tight timelines.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-growing, international environment, collaborating globally with a strong work ethic.

Preferred

  • MBA preferred
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, creative problem solver, and able to pivot quickly.

Benefits

  • 15% bonus potential
  • 20 days PTO
  • 4% match on 401k
  • Health care by Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Free Vision & Dental
  • Hybrid work schedule in NYC

Bel Brands USA Foodservice

Bel Brands Foodservice empowers culinary professionals with high-quality, versatile cheese solutions. Drive menu innovation, optimize operations and delight your customers with our premium brands, like Boursin®, Babybel®, and GoGo squeeZ®.Explore how we can help you grow: https://www.belbrandsfoodservice.com/

Chicago, Illinois, USA
51 employees (2 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
3.9K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
14.3%
Direct
44.3%
Referral
30%
Social
10.3%
Paid
1.1%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~51

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
2 (4% of company)