Sr. Innovation Manager

Lead the commercialization and launch execution of innovation projects following Gate 3 approval, taking ownership once concepts and products have been validated and fully developed. The role is responsible for transforming innovation into successful market launches by orchestrating cross functional execution, ensuring organizational readiness and driving flawless commercialization.

Role Purpose:

• Lead the commercialization and launch execution of innovation projects following Gate 3 approval, taking ownership once concepts and products have been validated and fully developed.
• The role is responsible for transforming innovation into successful market launches by orchestrating cross functional execution, ensuring organizational readiness and driving flawless commercialization.
• This position serves as the bridge between Innovation and the broader organization to bring ideas to life in market.
• This role owns activation, launch execution and market implementation while Product Innovation owns strategy, concept development and product creation.

Key Responsibilities: 

Commercialization Leadership 

• Develop commercialization plans and launch roadmaps aligned with Sales and Marketing
• Orchestrate cross functional execution across Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance and Innovation
• Ensure organizational readiness for launch
• Manage critical paths, milestones and dependencies
• Lead launch governance and execution tracking
• Escalate risks and remove barriers to execution

Launch Readiness & Market Activation

• Ensure innovation initiatives are ready for successful market implementation.
• Lead:

1. Go to market readiness
2. Customer launch coordination
3. Commercial readiness alignment
4. Inventory and operational readiness coordination
5. Marketing and activation timeline integration
6. Sales enablement support
7. Internal communication and launch preparedness

Stage Gate Commercialization Ownership (Post G3)

• Gate 4: Commercialization planning and readiness
• Gate 5: Launch execution and market activation
• Gate 6: Post launch reviews and optimization
• Lead executive updates, launch reviews and governance meetings.

Brand:
Elmhurst 1925

Requirements:

• 10+ years in commercialization, operations, project leadership or innovation execution within food, beverage or CPG
• Proven experience scaling products from development into market
• Strong project management and cross functional leadership skills
• Experience operating within stage gate environments
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain and commercialization processes

Salary Range: 100-110k annually