Overview Senior Brand Manager, Innovation leads cross-functional teams to build and commercialize new products while crafting a multi-year growth pipeline aligned with sustainability goals. Based in Lake Forest, IL, you will shape the portfolio, translate insights into growth strategies, and drive profitable, sustainable expansion. You will collaborate with multiple functions to move concepts from ideation to market, balancing consumer needs with business impact. This role combines strategic thinking, creativity, and hands-on execution in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Compensation / Benefits- hybrid work model (Tue-Thu on-site)
- annual incentive program (eligible)
- competitive salary
- opportunity to impact sustainability goals
- cross-functional collaboration
- career growth potential
Responsibilities- Develop and execute strategies for growth across the portfolio to drive revenue, profitability, and market share
- Create annual and long-range plans aligned with priorities and monitor performance to optimize profitability
- Lead brand and private label management, including innovation, pricing, and lifecycle management
- Translate consumer, shopper, and market insights into actionable growth opportunities
- Manage innovation pipeline from concept to commercialization, including launch planning and post-launch analysis
- Partner with Insights, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Sales throughout product development
- Own P&L, forecast financial performance, pricing decisions, and investment choices
- Collaborate with Sales, Customer Marketing, and Category Management to build customer-focused strategies and activation plans
- Drive continuous improvement in marketing effectiveness, portfolio management, and commercial execution
- Prepare executive-level performance updates and communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive marketing experience in CPG
- 3-5 years in market research, innovation, and new product development
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Experience with consumer research methodologies and New Product Stage Gate process
- Excellent business acumen with budget and P&L management experience
- Proficiency with syndicated and retailer data platforms (Nielsen, Circana, IRI)
- Strong analytical, communication, presentation, and influencing abilities
- Ability to work flexible schedule during key deadlines
- Willingness to travel 10-15%
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Problem Solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Market research methodologies
- New Product Stage Gate process
- P&L management
