The Innovation Brand Manager is a critical marketing leader for Sweet Loren’s, responsible for developing and executing our innovation strategy and driving expansion of the Sweet Loren’s brand in the US.  Reporting to the Brand Director, the Innovation Brand Manager will lead the development and launch of breakthrough innovation that further establishes Sweet Loren’s as the modern baking brand. You will own the end-to-end innovation process — from identifying consumer insights and developing concepts to commercialization and in-market tracking — working closely with cross-functional teams to bring game-changing innovation to life.  Success in this role requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and deliver new business opportunities with key retailers.

 

·        Innovation Strategy and Roadmap Development: Partner with Sweet Loren’s Marketing Leadership and Cross-functional team to build and maintain a multi-year innovation roadmap that delivers revolutionary growth and brand expansion. Identify and prioritize high-potential opportunities that align with brand values and consumer demand.

·        Insight-Driven Innovation Development: Uncover innovation opportunities through deep analysis of consumer trends, category dynamics, and whitespace, with an ability to conduct and lead consumer research development for further validation and support.

·        Go-To-Market Strategy and Execution: Develop and execute all components of go-to-market plan, including positioning, naming, and packaging, working with both internal and external agency partners, when applicable.  Partner with Sales to create compelling sell-in materials with data-driven consumer benefits and incremental category value, while also providing them with a complete toolkit for successful retail launch. 

·        Packaging Development and Design: Lead packaging design strategy and development for all Sweet Loren’s products, including new and existing, ensuring strong brand and benefit communication that drives impact at shelf and across touchpoints.  Develop packaging briefs and manage external agencies from concept through final artwork.  Work closely with key cross-functional internal teams, including R&D, Operations and Finance, to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and production ready.

·        Performance Tracking and Optimization: Analyze innovation in-market performance using sales data, consumer feedback, and retailer input to evaluate delivery against expectations and performance against KPIs (sales, awareness, trial, brand equity) and integrate learnings into future innovation plans.

·        5+ years of experience in brand innovation, marketing, or product development roles, ideally within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry

·        Demonstrated track record or transformational growth.  Experience scaling brands from early stage to $100mm+.    

·        Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving abilities, verbal/written communication, work organization, influence management

·        Strong balance of strategic thinking and executional excellence; able to see the big picture while managing detailed project plans

·        Self-starter with a high level of initiative, accountability, and hustle; able to work independently and thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment

·        Effective communicator across all key internal and external stakeholders, holding business partners accountable to deliver on key initiatives and business results  

·        Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

·        Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with proficiency in consumer research and syndicated data (e.g., SPINS, Nielsen/IRI, Stratum) to drive decisions

·        Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field; MBA a plus