Manager, Product Innovation, Global Strategy

Manager, Product Innovation, Global Strategy

Location:

Chicago, US 60654

Manager, Product Innovation is responsible for driving and delivering initiatives under the global strategy of Compounds & Global Compound Centre of Excellence under the guidance of the Director, Product Innovation and Business Development. The Global Product Innovation Manager ensures technical excellence in execution of product innovation objectives and liaises with key managers cross‑functionally to generate solutions for an accelerated product innovation impact.

Lead & deliver initiatives under global strategy of Cacao Coatings & Fillings (100%)

• Leads & delivers initiatives under global strategy for corresponding regions, to support business growth in the compounds product category.
• Engages the leadership team and business functions to gain the required support during project execution.
• Plans and manages required resources to deliver the initiatives.
• Acts as the heart and mind of the CI&TS function by consolidating and fostering knowledge gained internally or externally.
• Amplifies product innovation impact by thoroughly documenting learnings and generously sharing them with the relevant teams and stakeholders as per the business needs.

• Master or PhD degree level in a Science or Engineering discipline, or equivalent, preferably in Food Science & Technology.
• 10 or more years of experience in a relevant role; leadership experience preferred.
• Fluent in English. Additional spoken languages are a plus.
• Experienced expert in the chocolate and/or cocoa category, with good knowledge of product application, formulation, processing and ingredients. Experience with compounds and vegetable fats is a plus.
• Good business acumen in regional markets such as NAM, LATAM, WEU, CEE, and AMEA.
• Able to travel a minimum of 20% of the time.

• Salary Range of $130,000 - $150,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package.
• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays.
• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and a hybrid environment.
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced and inclusivity is second nature.
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong.