Food Innovation Manager

Our client’s company, a fast-growing leader in the pet supply industry, is committed to delivering premium treats, toys, and gear for dogs. Known for fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the company emphasizes employee autonomy, growth opportunities, and respect. They are seeking a Food Innovation Manager to lead the development of new products and drive innovation within their portfolio, ensuring a steady stream of market-leading offerings.

Responsibilities

• Drive new product development from ideation through commercialization.
• Identify market trends and translate them into viable product opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the stage-gate process for product launches.
• Oversee the structure and timelines of projects, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align on product objectives.
• Partner with co-manufacturers to ensure production feasibility and standards.
• Research and evaluate materials, processes, and equipment for innovation opportunities.
• Work with Quality Assurance and R&D teams to maintain product quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Passion for pets and creating innovative products.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Industrial Design, Marketing, Project Management, Food Science, or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in product innovation or manufacturing, preferably in a CPG environment.
• Expertise in Quality Assurance and regulatory compliance is a strong advantage.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Creative and analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and data evaluation abilities.
• Familiarity with product technology, manufacturing processes, and design principles.

Our client offers an attractive benefits package, including a 401k plan, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid holidays, PTO, paid sick leave, and annual performance reviews with potential pay increases. If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a difference in the pet supply industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role.