Manager, Product Innovation, Global R&D

Product Innovation Manager

The Product Innovation Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of new product innovation initiatives that align with business strategy and drive growth across key product categories. This role collaborates closely with cross-functional teams including Research & Development, Commercial, Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Quality to bring innovative products from concept through commercialization. The Product Innovation Manager serves as a technical leader, ensuring projects are executed successfully while identifying new opportunities to enhance product offerings and meet evolving customer and market needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead product innovation initiatives that support strategic business objectives and drive category growth.
• Manage multiple innovation projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop, test, and launch new products and product improvements.
• Provide technical expertise in product formulation, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and product applications.
• Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, consumer insights, and competitive activity to identify innovation opportunities.
• Develop business cases and technical recommendations for new products and product enhancements.
• Coordinate internal and external resources required to execute product development initiatives.
• Document project findings, technical learnings, and best practices while promoting knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure products can be successfully scaled from laboratory to commercial production.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Present project updates and technical recommendations to leadership and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline preferred. Bachelor's degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• 8+ years of experience in product development, product innovation, R&D, or technical leadership within the food, beverage, confectionery, ingredients, or consumer packaged goods industry.
• Strong understanding of food formulation, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and commercialization.
• Experience managing complex cross-functional projects from concept through launch.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities with experience influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical expertise with commercial and business objectives.
• Experience working in global or multi-regional organizations is preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 20% as business needs require.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in confectionery, chocolate, cocoa, coatings, fillings, bakery, dairy, or specialty food ingredients.
• Knowledge of food processing technologies, fats and oils, ingredient systems, and product applications.
• Experience supporting global product portfolios and international markets.
• Leadership experience mentoring technical teams or leading innovation programs is a plus.

Top Three Required Skills

Key Details

• Compensation: $135,000 – $150,000 + eligibility to earn a 15% bonus
• Benefits:
  Medical, dental, vision, 401k benefits available