What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Innovation Manager position at City Staffing?
This is a direct hire, hybrid role (4 days onsite) located in Naperville, IL.
Schedule: Monday through Friday (4 days onsite)
Pay Rate: $120-135k DOE
Our client, a popular Illinois food brand, is looking for a Product Innovation Manager to add to their team!
Product Innovation Manager Responsibilities:
- Own and manage innovation pipeline including new products, seasonal offerings, limited time offers, collaborations, and future innovation platforms.
- Responsible for creating and refining specifications for flavor profiles and development, including matching flavor profiles to create line extensions.
- Research consumer behavior, culinary trends, retailer insights, and competitive activity to identify whitespace opportunities and anticipate emerging trends.
- Manage and facilitate internal and occasional external sensory events, revising formulations and programs based on customer and associate sensory feedback.
- Monitor competitors, emerging brands, restaurants, and global food trends to inspire future innovation.
- Partner with ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, and manufacturing partners to identify innovative ingredients and capabilities.
- Develop and maintain a multi-year innovation roadmap.
- Translate consumer insights into actionable product opportunities.
- Evaluate ideas based on consumer demand, operational feasibility, profitability, and brand fit.
- Attend industry events and monitor food, flavor, ingredient, and packaging trends.
Product Innovation Manager Qualifications:
- Degree in Food Science or Culinary Arts, Certified Culinary Scientist, Certified Research Chef, or related field preferred.
- 5 years of experience in product innovation, commercialization, or product development within CPG, food, or beverage.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with retail food and beverage.
- Experience commercializing new products.
- Innovative packing development is preferred but not required.
- Consumer research and trend forecasting is preferred.
This is a direct hire, hybrid role (4 days onsite) located in Naperville, IL.
Schedule: Monday through Friday (4 days onsite)
Pay Rate: $120-135k DOE
City Staffing is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our business. As a women-owned and operated business, WBE certified, we recognize the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all individuals regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, ability, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, or sexual orientation.
Salary : $120,000 - $135,000