Innovation Brand Manager, Portfolio

Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.The Innovation Brand Manager will have ownership of building out our innovation strategy & pipeline, and work cross-functionally to develop and commercialize products across our dairy-free and meatless portfolios. This individual will work cross-functionally and own upfront idea exploration, feasibility assessments, development, and initial commercialization activities. The individual in this high-visibility and high impact position will be an effective cross-functional leader who partners closely across Marketing, PMO, Product Development, Regulatory, Supply Chain and Finance stakeholders to deliver on the company’s strategy and business objectives. They will report directly to the Director of Innovation & Insights to help architect the future vision of our growth strategy.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Cross-functional leadership and management of the innovation agenda, with ownership across all aspects of the ‘stage gate’ process from idea exploration, feasibility, development, and initial commercialization steps; including, but not limited to:
• Assess market attractiveness & competitive landscape, identify unmet consumer needs, develop ideas & subsequent project briefs
• Working with cross-functional team, lead the preliminary assessment of development timelines and feasibility, high-level P&L, legal/regulatory reviews, identify suppliers and manufacturing options, early risk identification & mitigation planning
• Collaborate on the execution of consumer learning plans, work closely with product development on product formulations and scale-up trials
• Partner with Supply Chain team to identify suppliers, qualify manufacturing, and complete capacity assessments
• Drive towards locking formula, packaging, claims, etc. and identify risks & mitigation plan for final commercialization
• Track and synthesize emerging alternative protein trends and competitive products to stay at the forefront of the alternative market space. Translate insights into business & innovation implications

Candidate Profile / Experience Base

• Bachelor's Degree and 5+ years of experience in brand marketing or related field, or MBA with 3+ years of related experience at a consumer packaged goods company.
• Food/beverage experience required, and start-up experience is a plus.
• Innovation experience required (experience in driving and executing the innovation agenda through all facets of a ‘stage gate’ process ideal)
• Strong experience working with cross-functional teams to drive breakthrough innovation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to analyze, synthesize, formulate, and present recommendations.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and communication skills. Strong presenter and storyteller.
• Track record of success in leading cross-functional teams of internal and external partners.

Personality Profile

• Owner mindset and has a strong sense of urgency with a bias for action and problem solving in the face of setbacks.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with a team.
• Detail-oriented, organized and capacity to meet deadlines.
• Inherent curiosity and creativity in solving problems to understand how things work.
• Versatile, nimble and enthusiastic to work in a high growth startup environment with an ever-changing external landscape while wearing ‘multiple hats.’

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits and 401K
• Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program
• Relocation benefits to Chicago (as needed)
• Ability to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize the food industry