MBA required; 8+ years of CPG experience preferred, ideally in perishable food
3-5 years managing new product concept development, testing, and launches
Proven ability to influence and lead within a matrixed organization
Strong analytical skills for integrating multiple insights into creative solutions
Self-starter with a proactive approach
Onsite work required
Responsibilities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product innovation and SKU rationalization
Assess innovation opportunities using diverse research resources
Use analytics to derive insights that inform product strategy
Utilize financial insights to recommend profitable product launches and initiatives
Develop, lead, and manage the business line, including product positioning and lifecycle
Drive collaborative idea development with agency and partners to innovate in the salad segment
Oversee key cross-functional relationships and navigate a matrixed environment
Benefits
Opportunity to lead product innovation in a growing category
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
Focus on consumer insights to shape engaging product narratives
Responsibilities affecting both US and Canadian markets
Direct influence on brand and product success through strategic recommendations
Full Job Description
The Marketing Manager, Innovation is responsible for turning ideas into business. As a category expert you are the voice of the consumer and champion of the product. You can transform innovative product assortments into a compelling narrative that inspires consumers. This position requires a dynamic thought leader who will have the ability to have an impact on shaping salads of the future. As a member of the Marketing Management team, you are responsible for the facilitation of all activities necessary to achieve sales and profit objectives supporting Fresh Express portfolio of branded and private brand business, in the U.S. and Canada. The key responsibility of this individual is to help drive volume growth with existing and new customers while delivering profitability. In this role, you will bring product growth strategy to life through development and execution of product offerings, pricing and promotional recommendations that drive continued sales growth and delighting the consumer.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Work collaboratively with Marketing, R&D, Sales, Purchasing, Operations and Finance to support Product Innovation, Renovation and Sku rationalization initiatives.
Assess Innovation opportunities using a broad spectrum of research resources including primary, secondary and syndicated data sources.
Leverage sound analytics to develop new business and consumer insights to build future both within our categories and with retail customers
Leverage your financial acumen to influence new product launch recommendation that is profitable for the company as well as initiatives that grow the category
Develop, lead and manage business line, leveraging critical thinking and strategic recommendations, defining product objectives and strategy, positioning, pricing, packaging, and product lifecycle management
Lead internal and external partners including the agency to develop ideas which continue to grow and evolve the business as a leader in the value-added salad space
Lead key cross-functional relationships across the organization and navigate a matrixed environment
Lead and develop team expertise of the target consumer and deliver product and messaging that drive affinity for the brand
Unlock deep insights and translate into growth strategy that will translate both in the US and Canada
Lead all aspects of the Fresh Express budget including all media and activation
Actively lead all plans to achieve established brand targets. This includes consistent tracking against targets and identifying when gap closure initiatives are required
Partner with sales teams to turn brand programs into volume driving in-store/online activations
Key Qualifications:
MBA required, 8+ years of CPG experience preferred. Background in Perishable food preferred
3-5 years' experience managing new product concept development, testing and launches
Proven track record of influencing others within a matrixed organization
Analyze data, incorporate multiple insights, and develop creative solutions
Take initiative and drive action
Work onsite
Other Information:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed, as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
About Fresh Express
Fresh Express is a brand of Chiquita Brands, LLC, which is a subsidiary of the Brazilian company, Cutrale Group. Fresh Express is a leading producer of packaged salads and other produce, with a focus on healthy and convenient meal options. The company was founded in the 1920s as a small produce stand in California and has since grown to become a major player in the produce industry. Fresh Express is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including using renewable energy sources and reducing waste. The company also supports various charitable organizations and community initiatives.