Innovation Manager

Job Posting[ OFNA – INDIRECT ]

Job Title:

Innovation Manager Function:
Ornua Foods North America, Marketing

Reports to:

Head of Innovation

Location:

Evanston, Illinois

Career Level:

P3

Position Type:
Full-Time

Schedule:

Standard business hours

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.Are you a strategic and commercially minded innovation professional ready to help shape a consumer-led growth agenda in the U.S. food industry?

Ornua is actively seeking an Innovation Manager to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLEReporting to the Head of Innovation, the Innovation Manager will lead the development and execution of a robust innovation pipeline through portfolio management, global platform development, and key customer support. This role is critical to delivering the strategic growth plan over the next five years. The Innovation Manager will partner closely with the Head of Innovation to shape strategic plans, uncover growth opportunities, and own project development in a fast-paced, consumer-centric food business.

WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR Strategic Insights:
Utilize syndicated data, including Nielsen, Circana, and SPINS, other data sources such as Kantar and marketing mix modeling, and internal performance metrics to uncover actionable insights that inform brand, category, and channel strategies.

Forecasting and Scenario Planning:
Develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches using consumer insights, competitive dynamics, and in-market data.

Project Management:
Own the on-time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects aligned with strategic growth plan initiatives and targets.

Research:
Partner with Consumer Insights to create research plans and action standards that deliver effective outcomes in response to targeted business questions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Act as a strategic partner and lead cross-functional teams across Marketing, Sales, Innovation, R&D, and Finance to bring disruptive innovation products to market.

Storytelling and Communication:
Translate complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.

Trend Identification:
Lead relevant U.S. macro food trend tracking to help create and shape product ideation and development.

Budget Management:
Own the marketing innovation budget and ensure delivery of a robust product development pipeline within the planned budget.

People Management:
Manage rotating graduate program marketing team members.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING Strong business acumen and the ability to connect syndicated and market data to commercial outcomes.

Clear communication, stakeholder-management, and project-management skills.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation skills.

The ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations and compelling stories.

A collaborative approach to leading cross-functional teams and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

A self-motivated, positive attitude with strong energy and a passion for high-quality food.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, business, or a related discipline.

Four to six years of relevant CPG experience, including demonstrated success in innovation and new product development.

Experience with consumer products sold through retail outlets.

Experience using syndicated data sources such as Nielsen, Circana, IRI, or SPINS to support commercial decisions.

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.Authorization to work for any employer in the United States.

Desired…