Innovation Manager - Applegate (Bedminster, NJ)

INNOVATION MANAGER - APPLEGATE – CORPORATE OFFICE (BEDMINSTER, NJ)

To save time applying, Applegate Farms does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT APPLEGATE FARMS

Founded in 1987, Applegate Farms, LLC produces high-quality natural and organic hot dogs, bacon, sausages, deli meats, cheese and frozen products. Our products are made without GMO ingredients, and we source from farms where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate, all part of our mission – Changing The Meat We Eat®.

Natural can mean many things, but to Applegate natural means our food is:

• From animals Applegate humanely raised without antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants
• From animals fed a vegetarian or pasture-centered diet (our beef is 100 percent grass-fed)
• Free of added chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Applegate became a stand-alone subsidiary of Hormel Foods in July 2015.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the Senior Innovation Manager, The Innovation Manager will collaborate with cross functional teams to create new product solutions and business models for the Applegate and Justin’s brands that will fuel future growth. This position requires the ability to leverage data, insights, and trends to identify, vet, create, and launch breakthrough platforms and support them with marketing in the first 1-2 years in market. This role will also be involved with supporting and / or leading special strategic projects, as needed.

• Supports development of short and long-term innovation pipelines that support company objectives and priorities.
• Analyzes the business, industry, and supply chain landscape to identify opportunities for white space innovation and growth potential.
• Works with Consumer Insights team to understand consumer needs through research, marketplace feedback and trend mapping.
• Successfully lead projects through the Governance Committee process and project manage the development commercialization cycles, incorporating R&D, Manufacturing Alliances, QA, Regulatory, Design, Finance and Sales.
• Owns the launch product line P&L for scope of responsibility and actively manage critical levers, including margin, pricing / trade strategies, and marketing budgets.
• Contributes to the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) / Strategic Sales Plan (SSP) for each innovation product line and executing these plans to deliver sales and profit objectives.
• Support sell-in and market launch, creating compelling sales materials and representing the brand at customer reviews, distributor meetings and internal sales meetings.
• Responsible execution of product-specific marketing programs during and after launch with internal marketing team and external agency partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Marketing Preferred
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in an innovation or product/brand management role in the food industry
• Direct experience with product development, marketing fundamentals and consumer research
• Ability to work collaboratively with, motivate and influence cross-functional teams, senior leaders, and customers
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines through diligent project management. Flexibility within a “high-change” environment is necessary
• Embodies Applegate’s & Justin’s Changemaker traits: relentlessly and intelligently questions everything, perseveres with optimistic grit, and is agile, resourceful, and inventive.
• Has a passion for food, keeps an eye on consumer and industry trends
• Highly Proficient with Microsoft office applications (Word, Excel and PPT), Outlook
• Experience with analytical & syndicated data tools (Nielson, IRI, SPINS, Etc.)
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
• Applicants must not now, or any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred:

• Experience with perishable food or meat/dairy products strongly preferred

TRAVEL: Up to 10% travel

LOCATION: Bedminster, NJ

BENEFITS: Applegate Farms offers an excellent benefits package. Competitive base salary plus target incentive, annual merit increase performance reviews, medical, dental, vision, profit sharing, 401(k) immediate eligible, stock purchase plan, personal paid time. Relocation Assistance Program to eligible applicants, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

At Applegate, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. The base hiring pay range for this role is between $89,300 - $125,000 per year, and your actual base pay within that range will depend upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skill set, level of experience, and geographic market location.

At Hormel Foods and Applegate we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/diversity-and-inclusion

Hormel Foods and Applegate are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.