at The Kraft Heinz Foods Company in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Description
Innovation is a critical pillar for the growth at Kraft Heinz. Reporting to the Head of Away from Home Marketing, the Brand Manager, Innovation plays a stakeholder role in the development and launch of innovation for Away from Home. As the owner of the innovation pipeline, this role will partner across teams to ensure Away from Home is the Engine of innovation for Kraft Heinz. The responsibilities are well-rounded and specifically designed for a leader to step in and build marketing & innovation fundamentals for themselves and the team.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Lead the innovation readiness and delivery for Away From Home business
Own strategic commercialization projects from ideation through launch and through the stage gate process
Lead whitespace innovation and renovation pipeline development for brands/categories
Collaborate effectively with AFH marketing, sales, consumer insights, operations, culinary and finance teams as well as platform innovation teams
Own the innovation processes and deliverables for Away from Home - including Stage Gate deliverables, resourcing, and prioritization.
Support the strategy of ESG initiatives for our portfolio.
Support development of go to market plans including launch sell in stories.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Bachelor's degree preferred, MBA preferred
Seasoned experience in marketing for an established or startup CPG company
Enthusiasm for innovation and demonstrated innovative mindset
Consumer centric & growth mindset - learn fast vs. avoid failure
Prior or relevant experience working in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) (forecasting and portfolio management)
Experience in agency management & cross-functional team management; self confident individual who can work collaboratively
Strong personal motivation in fast-paced, often ambiguous environment, with a bias for action
Demonstrated ability to influence teams and experience handling multiple partners
Strong "big picture" perspective, while also implementing the initiative at hand
Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills to internal/external partners
Excellent strategic and analytical skills; ability to maximise syndicated data sources to assess competitive space, bringing forth insights and recommendations to integrate into overall strategy
Ability to simplify complex problems and make decisions quickly in pursuit of constant forward progress
Excellent organizational and project management skills
Work Environment & Schedule
This is a Hybrid role with 3 days a week in the local office, with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspaces. Additionally, this role requires working a salaried, exempt schedule to best execute against customer and internal expectations
Physical demands include but not limited to
Willingness to drive and/or travel as needed
Operate a computer and view screens for ~100% of work schedule
Here at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people to grow our business, because we believe that great people make great companies. When you join our table, you can expect:
Access to an array of holistic wellness benefits* and perks, including medical, dental and vision coverage
7% 401(k) matching
Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to help foster diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all employees
An industry-leading total rewards package that emphasizes a high discretionary bonus.
*Benefits begin 30 days after hire for hourly employees, and immediately upon hire for salaried employees.
Get a peek into life here at Kraft Heinz through our Instagram and TikTok channels!
#LI-HybridLocation(s)Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NATAI@kraftheinz.com .
It is the continuing policy of The Kraft Heinz Company to afford full equal employment opportunity to qualified employees and applicants, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental handicaps, military or veteran status, sexual preference, or any other protected condition or characteristic in conformity with all applicable federal, state, provincial and local laws and regulations.
Final candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without Company sponsorship. Exceptions requesting work visa sponsorship will be reviewed on a case to case basis.
