Sr. Innovation Manager

The Sr. Manager, Innovation, is a key driver of Daiya’s growth agenda. Reporting to the Director of Innovation & Insights, this role owns the end-to-end commercialization of our innovation pipeline - translating high-potential ideas into successful, consumer-centric product launches. This leader sets the commercial product agenda, aligns cross-functional stakeholders around clear priorities, and secures the organizational focus and resources required to win. Day-to-day, the Sr. Manager orchestrates cross-functional delivery with rigor and pace - shaping product development, packaging design, business cases, learning plans, and integrated go-to-market strategies to ensure every launch lands with impact.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of innovation projects; Oversee projects through the stage-gate process, including establishing project scope; Partner with Insights & Ideation to translate high-potential concepts into defined projects; Lead and influence cross-functional teams to advance innovation; Manage learning plans to deepen consumer understanding and validate project action standards; Lead the commercialization and launch of new platforms and products; Oversee commercialization plans with Sales to develop winning customer and category strategies; Partner with Insights, Category Management, and Business Development to create compelling sales stories; Support development of communications briefs on new launches; Develop and manage a pipeline of projects that delivers against innovation growth targets; Own the P&L for new launches; Manage the innovation budget with discipline; Lead and develop one direct report; Inspire the Marketing department as a member of Senior Marketing Leadership team; Act as a steward for the Daiya brand

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business; Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience across brand management, innovation, product development, marketing, or general management, with a track record of delivering commercially successful launches and leading cross-functional teams; Demonstrated success launching new products into market; Experience leading cross-functional teams and projects from inception to completion; Strong understanding of Stage Gate or other structured innovation processes; Familiarity with consumer insights & research methodologies; Strategic Thought Leadership; Insights & Analytical Prowess; Executional Excellence; Consumer-Centric Mindset; Collaborative Leadership; Communication Skills; Emotional Intelligence; Growth Mindset; Effective Communication; Collaboration; Driving Results; Service Excellence

Nice to have

MBA strongly preferred; Experience within food & beverage or consumer-facing categories

Benefits

3 weeks’ vacation; Flex Days; Extended health benefits; Retirement savings matching program; Flexible spending account; Fun and creative environment; On-site fitness studio; Inspiring and innovative work; Making people and the planet a healthier place; Flexible hybrid work model