Innovation Brand Manager

Dairy Farmers of America, a leading milk marketing cooperative and dairy foods processor in the U.S., is currently seeking an Innovation Brand Manager. In this hybrid role you will manage new products platforms and the commercialization of new products and pipelines. Implement and maintain best-in-class new product development practices. This position reports to the Director of Product Innovation and will be based at our St. Louis Park, MN or Kansas City, KS office.

Job Responsibilities:

• Drive the development and commercialization of new products across the DFA Commercial portfolio including frozen desserts, cultured dairy, value-added milk and other dairy segments. Develop and execute innovative platforms and new products.
• Conduct analysis of category, competitive landscape, customer and consumer trends to identify new white space marketplace opportunities.
• Support consumer insights efforts to identify areas of consumer empathy and new product opportunity.
• Lead cross-functional innovative teams; collaborate with extended cross-functional team to manage new product development funnel.
• Manage relationship with external creative teams, market research agencies and other innovation partners.
• Manage the analysis of syndicated sales data, financial reports, and other data to monitor product activity and project new product volume and financial performance. Prepare executive summaries of key insights and recommendations.
• Translate consumer, shopper and customer insights into "go to market" strategies and plans (including new products, sales/trade communication, selling strategy and materials)

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree required; MBA preferred
• A minimum of 4-5 years of related CPG Marketing Management experience
• New product launch/commercialization experience, including a strong understanding of new product development practices and processes
• Strength in analyzing business and brand via primary and secondary research as well as business financial information
• Ability to develop and deliver compelling presentations that bring new ideas to life

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1^st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans