Brand and Innovation Manager

Brand and Innovation Manager

Bloomingdale, IL | Hybrid Schedule

Salary: Up to $160,000 + Full Benefits

Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Hybrid Flexibility, Onsite Fitness Center, and Long-Term Career Growth

About the Company

We are a growing consumer packaged goods (CPG) food manufacturer with a portfolio of well recognized brands sold through major grocery, club, mass retail, and foodservice channels across North America. Our focus is on developing products that meet changing consumer preferences while continuing to expand our presence across key food categories.

With continued investment in our brands and innovation pipeline, we are looking for a Brand & Innovation Manager with proven CPG food experience to take ownership of brand strategy, product innovation, and commercialization initiatives.

Position Overview

The Brand & Innovation Manager will develop and execute brand strategies that drive revenue growth, market share, and consumer engagement. A major focus of the role is new product innovation and commercialization, leading products from concept through launch while working closely with Sales, R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and other teams.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on Brand & Innovation Manager who understands the food and CPG environment and can connect consumer insights, product innovation, retail strategy, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute annual brand plans aligned with company objectives and growth targets
• Drive brand positioning, messaging, and portfolio strategies across assigned product categories
• Identify opportunities for market expansion, product innovation, and category growth
• Monitor brand performance and recommend strategies to improve sales, market share, and profitability

Product Innovation & Commercialization

• Lead new product launches from concept through commercialization and retail execution
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Sales throughout the innovation process
• Manage product launch timelines, milestones, and cross-functional deliverables
• Evaluate market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive activity to support the innovation pipeline

Consumer Insights & Market Analysis

• Analyze syndicated data, retailer reporting, category trends, and competitive intelligence
• Leverage consumer research and market insights to support strategic decision-making
• Monitor pricing strategies, promotional activity, and category performance
• Present recommendations and business updates to leadership

Retail Marketing & Sales Support

• Collaborate with Sales and Trade Marketing teams to support retailer programs and promotional initiatives
• Assist with customer presentations, category reviews, and business development opportunities
• Support retail activation, shopper marketing, and merchandising initiatives
• Ensure brand consistency across packaging, promotional materials, and customer-facing assets

Financial & Business Management

• Manage brand budgets and marketing investments to maximize ROI
• Support forecasting, sales analysis, and annual planning processes
• Track sales growth, profitability, market share, and other key performance metrics
• Develop business cases and financial analyses supporting strategic initiatives

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a key liaison between Marketing, Sales, R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain
• Drive alignment across departments to ensure successful project execution
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining timelines and priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiencies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field required
• MBA strongly preferred
• 3+ years of Brand Management experience specifically within CPG, food, beverage, or a closely related consumer products environment required
• Proven experience leading new product development, product launches, and commercialization
• Strong understanding of consumer insights, category management, and retail marketing
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Sales, R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain teams
• Ability to translate consumer and market insights into actionable brand and product strategies

Corporate Resources has been hired by our client to recruit for this open position and any/all other positions as requested and posted.