The Product Strategy Manager will define the overall product and innovation strategy to drive profitable sales growth through existing and new product opportunities that meet consumer needs within the frozen food category. The role will leverage customer and consumer insights to drive actionable portfolio planning and lifecycle management by engaging with cross-functional teams. This position will manage all aspects of the new product stage gate process from ideation through launch, support, and post-launch analysis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSBILITIES:

Lead development and execution of product line extensions, sub-brands and packaging innovation plans including business case and approval, concept development, feasibility validation, product and packaging R&D, customer sell in and tracking of in-market performance.

Evolve, Champion and Govern the Stage Gate Process from Ideation through Driving Successful Launch.

• Understand and drive integrated project portfolio planning across the organization.
• Evaluate and implement current innovation stage gate process.
• Evaluate and strengthen action standards over time, to ensure benchmarks and goals predict success.
• Champion cross-functional engagement in the innovation process across the organization.

Build and Maintain a Robust Innovation Pipeline based on consumer needs that supports a steady launch cadence of close-in line extensions to break-through ideas.

• Monitor, analyze and leverage market research, industry trends, consumer insights and competitive knowledge to identify a strong innovative strategy supporting short-term and long-term growth opportunities.
• Spearhead idea generation and concept development to leverage against innovation growth opportunities.
• Work with 3rd party vendors to initiate and guide testing needed to ensure idea and innovation validation.

Manage day to day Research and Development Team against Daily Operation needs and in the creation of consumer-validated innovation.

• Lead development of consumer validated ideas including product line extensions, sub-brands, prep method and packaging innovation.
• Develop and champion sound business case development, securing approval with senior management.
• Provide leadership on new product vendor identification and product costing.
• Own FDA and government labeling and packaging requirements.
• Maintain and leverage a network of 3rd party vendors to advance innovation product development, including Co-Manufacturers, Co-Packers, Sensory Specialists.
• Product lifecycle management to support existing and new products to achieve maximum ROI and Margin including COG's Improvements.

Build and drive best in class new product launch.

• Develop new product support launch plan including measurement.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Marketing Teams to build a "best in class" sell-in story and assist in sell-in efforts.
• Spearhead post-launch evaluation. ensuring attainment of launch objectives and instituting course- correction as warranted.
• All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Detail oriented and thorough.
• Ability to work within the parameters of department policies. procedures and practices, and challenge based on continuous improvement and best practices.
• Ability to leverage department resources and knowledge.
• Ability to leverage external resources when an issue does not have a known solution.

Interpersonal:

• Ability to interpret and provide instructions orally and in writing to end users.
• Must be able to stay assertive without being confrontational.
• Must have the ability to see user point of view and communicate professionally.
• Ability to lead through ambiguous, complex situations with a drive toward clarity and results.

Personal Organization:

• Ability to work under pressure of a deadline and maintain promised deliverables.
• Maintain sense of urgency.
• Work independently.
• Apply project management principles where applicable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• MS Office and Desktop computer skills.
• Technical and Culinary competency.
• High levels of organization and communication.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises R&D Technicians

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Marketing or related field.
• 3-5 years of related work experience including CPG Innovation and Product Launch.
• Located within 60 miles of Shenandoah, PA
• Flexible with ability to be on-site as needed.

Ateeco, Inc has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhausted list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by manager as deemed appropriate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Ateeco, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In additional to federal law requirements, Ateeco. Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Ateeco, Inc expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability or veteran status. EOE/M/F/D/V

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Performance bonus
• Yearly pay

Experience level:

• 3 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Are you located within 60 miles of Shenandoah, PA, or willing to relocate?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• CPG Innovation and Product Launch: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Shenandoah, PA