What You Will Do- Innovation Strategy Support: Identify whitespace opportunities through consumer insights, category trends, competitive intelligence and emerging technologies. Develop and execute innovation pipeline aligned with long-term business and brand growth objectives.
- Product Development: Develop product positioning, value propositions, naming, claims, packaging direction, and go-to-market strategies. Ensure projects meet quality, cost, timing, and margin objectives. Work with the brand marketing team to transition launch for commercialization.
- Consumer & Market Insights: Translate consumer needs, cultural trends and shopper behavior into actionable innovation opportunities. Partner with Consumer Insights to design and interpret qualitative and quantitative research to support Innovation strategy.
- Cross-Functional Leader: Lead communication and coordinate working efforts with cross-functional team members on key initiatives with ability to influence without direct authority.
- Project Leadership: Oversee key project phases, including initiation, planning and execution, within Stage Gate process for multiple projects. Provide monthly updates to the executive leadership on key initiatives.
How You Will Make an ImpactWe are seeking a strategic, consumer-obsessed Innovation Brand Manager to lead the strategic background and development of breakthrough products within our FreshPet portfolio. This role combines consumer insight, brand strategy, product innovation, and cross-functional leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop winning concepts, and bring new products from idea to market.
The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist and executor-comfortable analyzing consumer trends, building compelling business cases, and leading complex cross-functional teams through commercialization. This person thrives in a fast-paced environment where ambiguity is embraced and innovation is a competitive advantage.
What You Will Bring- MBA preferred with 2-4 years of experience in a similar or related role, ideally experience working in CPG Food or Pet Brand Marketing.
- BS/BA with 5 years of experience in a similar or related role.
- Passion for pets and belief they deserve the best food on the planet.
- Must be able to commute to Bedminster, NJ, with the ability to work in-office three days a week. 10% of the ability to travel if needed.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams; preferably with manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams.
- Experience commercializing new products from concept to market, repeatedly
- Experience working with formulation, packaging, and regulatory requirements is highly valuable
- Experience managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment with the ability to shift priorities quickly in line with business objectives
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and demonstrated success driving to results through ambiguity.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, true self-starter that can hit the ground running.
What We OfferThe range for this position is: $170,000 - $190,000
At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!
