Innovation Manager at STELLA & CHEWY'S LLC in Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Job Description:

Stella & Chewy's, one of the world's fastest growing premium natural pet food companies in the US, is seeking an Innovation Manager to help create and deliver our pipeline of new products. Founded in 2003 and located in Oak Creek, WI, a suburb south of Milwaukee, Stella & Chewy's offers a broad portfolio of natural pet food for dogs and cats, including freeze-dried raw, frozen raw, kibble, wet food and treats.

As the Innovation Manager at Stella & Chewy's, you will be a valuable part of the team that is defining the future of the Stella & Chewy's brand through its product experience. We are looking for someone who thrives when thinking about long term brand strategy, consumer insights, future innovation ideas, and new product development. In this role, you will be helping create, manage, and execute an exciting multi-channel and international product pipeline while ensuring products are on strategy, time and budget.

The right individual will have a collaborative and confidant work style with an enthusiasm for making connections with both co-workers and consumers, a strong sense of ownership and personal responsibility, an eye for detail and a passion for creativity.

What you'll do with us:

• Lead innovation projects as they move from concept to launch within the StageGate™ process, including idea identification & validation, project scope definition, feasibility management and product finalization.
• Stay abreast of market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for innovation, regularly gathering and analyzing data to identify insights.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including marketing, sales, project management, quality, operations, R&D, regulatory and finance to effectively support innovation projects and ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Work closely with R & D throughout the new product development lifecycle to provide oversight on product formulations and product testing.
• Manage detailed deliverables related to the creative execution of new products including timelines, technical documents and packaging proofing to ensure on time delivery with internal and external agencies.
• Support analysis that ensures opportunities meet financial objectives through price, positioning, forecasting, revenue & margin expectations.
• Assist with the creation and management of our new product pipeline for domestic and global markets, including identifying, researching, sizing and validating ideas.
• Monitor progress against goals and objectives, identify potential risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Develop compelling, insight-backed internal & external presentations to support product sell-in, marketing hand-off and training.
• Support the implementation of innovation process optimization and help develop systematic methods to improve cross functional effectiveness and streamline speed to market.

• 5+ years of prior brand/product management, innovation or product development experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Pet industry experience highly preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or related field required, MBA a plus.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint & Word
• Experience in using data sources such as Nielsen & Stackline, preferred
• Proven track record of leading successful new product initiatives, from concept development to commercialization.
• Strong blend of strategic mindset and analytical/data-driven thinking, with the ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies and initiatives.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly motivated self-starter and creative problem-solver who demonstrates curiosity and strives for constant improvement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence key stakeholders.

Join our team at Stella & Chewy's and help us shape the future of pet nutrition and wellness through innovation!

Location: This position will be a hybrid role. Preference is for the successful candidate to be located in the Greater Milwaukee area. Open to full remote with travel up to 25%.

PI240281036