Demo

Senior Manager, Innovation & Strategy

Nestlé
Arlington, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/1/2026
Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow.

At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk-taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

The Senior Manager, Innovation & Strategy is responsible for driving and enabling long-term profitable growth through strategic planning, innovation, and cross-functional leadership for Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages. This position partners closely with global and US leadership teams to shape and deliver business strategy, lead market expansion initiatives, and ensure strong operational rigor through effective processes, governance, and performance tracking. The role also plays a critical leadership position in innovation—identifying, developing, and launching new growth opportunities within and beyond existing brand spaces.

Key Deliverables and Outputs

Strategy Development & Implementation

  • Lead 3-Year strategic planning process for the US Market (MBS)
  • Support and shape long-term business strategy and profitable growth initiatives
  • Lead and coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives, along with organizational readiness during enterprise transformations. 
  • Establish and track in-year OMP KPIs to measure performance against long-term strategic priorities

Innovation Approach, Creation, & Execution

  • Develop strategic approach to Premium Beverage expansion into new categories utilizing a build / partner / buy framework
  • Create and maintain 3-year Innovation pipeline and priorities for the US market (leading for Essentia and partnering with Global and International Premium Brand teams for IPB)
  • Lead innovation strategy and execution for Essentia big bet and platform launches
  • Drive selected end-to-end strategic innovation initiatives from ideation through market launch, with transition to brand teams post-launch

Market & Competitive Intelligence

  • Actively monitor competitors and share relevant insights to help guide leadership decision-making and commercial strategy
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and use those insights to inform strategy and innovation focus areas

Storytelling and Executive Presentations

  • Create clear, executive-ready materials that turn complex data into concise narratives that drive business decisions
  • Build and present materials for both global and U.S. leadership teams, leveraging input from cross-functional teams

Qualifications & Experience

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Marketing, Business, or a related field required
  • MBA strongly preferred

Experience

  • 5–7 years of experience in strategy, brand, marketing, consulting, or related commercial roles
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and delivering business impact

Skills & Capabilities

  • Strong strategic thinking and innovation mindset, with the ability to translate ideas into execution
  • Advanced storytelling and presentation skills; expertise in building executive-level decks
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Demonstrated ability to influence, align diverse stakeholders, and drive decision making
  • Strong business acumen with understanding of end-to-end operations and P&L dynamics
  • Ability to operate proactively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment and create clarity

Preferred Qualifications

  • Expertise in strategy development and innovation
  • Experience in commercial functions (Marketing, Strategy, Commercial Development, or Consulting)
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide teams and drive outcomes

#hybrid

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 403632

#Salaried

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