Sr. Innovation Manager

Purpose:

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose-led nutrition and wellness organization that “champions a more equitable world.” A world where everyone has the right to nutrition from the goodness of the earth and we reduce these gaps, one action at a time.

The primary responsibility of this role is to lead projects that bring to life the new growth strategy for Dole Packaged Foods, designing the new innovations together with cross-functional teams (partners, local markets, cross-functional teams). The secondary responsibility of this role is to support & contribute to the refinement of the cross-category strategy in tandem with active pipelining of lead innovation projects, pre-defined for the next business year.

Lastly, the ideal candidate should also be a leading example of an employee who lives the Dole purpose and translates this into innovations he/she makes. Apart from the delivery of innovations, he/she must also be able to ensure that all these new innovations fit the purpose of bridging nutrition gaps – contributing to ensuring that Dole is continuously helping make a more equitable world through every innovation we launch.

This role provides flexibility to work in a hybrid environment of home and our Westlake Village, CA office. (Hybrid is defined as 2 to 3 times per week in the office).

Primary Accountabilities:

• Lead the development of new products or initiatives in anticipation of or response to customer needs, market trends, and competitive opportunities for Dole.
• Lead the development of the Strategy & 3-Year Innovation pipeline of the innovation platforms they will lead.
• Support existing and new product launches and implementations through various assigned tasks; develop project plans, monitor roadmaps for specific projects, and support budget management.
• Work closely with other members of the team to identify and consolidate new product development needs.
• Support any other strategic initiative identified within the team to drive market share growth, revenue growth, or product enhancements.
• Develop the groundwork needed to support the advancement of new products.
• Support the integration and inclusion of serviceability, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Define an active pipeline of new innovations specific to assigned consumer segments or categories with the new brand & Dole brand.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring:

• Possess at least 8 years of specific experience in marketing & innovation development in the U.S. market.
• Food innovation experience is required (snacks and beverages preferred).
• Experience in developing brands (brand strategy, portfolio creation).
• Successful track record in supporting the development and implementation of diverse global product development and launch cycles ranging from new product introductions to product upgrades.
• Knowledge of product development, marketing, and business principles and practices.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Passionate about a purpose-driven career
• Possesses the ability to manage multiple projects/tasks of varying complexities through effective time management.
• Exceptional communication skills (written / verbal) with excellent active listening skills
• Analytical, articulate, and able to communicate comfortably with senior stakeholders and a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work with a variety of different businesses, local cultures, and all levels across the organization, will be integral to succeed in this role.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships and influence/motivate others to move toward a common goal.
• Flexible and adaptable; able to work in ambiguous situations; resilient and tenacious with a propensity to persevere.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational challenges.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated, responsible & can work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Creativity

Education & Certification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Marketing, Design Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Business, or related studies.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and use the computer for extended periods of time; ability to answer phones and use a variety of office equipment; ability to lift 15 pounds and reach overhead.

Travel Requirements:

• Approximately 10% of travel is expected

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA:

Hiring Pay Scale: $150,000.00 to $170,000.00

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.