Brand Innovation Manager, Food

INCPG; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ARI (Axcel Recruiting Inc.) in Austin, TX, is seeking a Brand Innovation Manager to lead ideation and development of new food products, shaping strategy and brand positioning.

You will collaborate across R&D, marketing, culinary and operations to translate concepts into scalable products, manage programs, budgets, and timelines, and drive growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, or related field (MBA is a plus).
• 3–5 years experience in brand innovation or product development in the food industry.
• Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Creative thinker with ability to turn ideas into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation and development of new products in the food category.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and other teams to execute concepts.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and white spaces.
• Develop brand positioning, messaging, and brand architecture.
• Manage end-to-end brand innovation initiatives, budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate with culinary and R&D teams to translate concepts into feasible products.

Skills

Brand strategy

Market analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, or related field

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Company is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader in the food sector, committed to delivering innovative and high-quality products that resonate with consumers. We are currently seeking a creative and strategic-minded professional to join our team as a Brand Innovation Manager.

Responsibilities:

Product Conceptualization and Development:

• Lead the ideation and development of new and innovative products within the food category.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, and other teams to ensure seamless product execution.

Market Analysis and Trend Identification:

• Stay abreast of industry trends and consumer preferences related to food innovation.
• Conduct market research to identify white spaces and opportunities for brand differentiation.

Brand Strategy and Positioning:

• Develop and execute brand strategies that align with company goals and resonate with the target audience.
• Contribute to the development of the brand positioning, messaging, and overall brand architecture.

Collaboration with Culinary and R&D Teams:

• Work closely with culinary and R&D teams to translate innovative concepts into feasible and scalable product solutions.
• Provide input on flavor profiles, ingredients, and packaging design.

Project Management:

• Drive end-to-end project management of brand innovation initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and successful implementation.
• Monitor project budgets and timelines to meet business objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and operations teams to integrate brand innovation strategies into overall business plans.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders to gather input and insights.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, or a related field. MBA is a plus.
• Proven experience 3-5 years in brand innovation, product development, or a related role within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
• Creative thinker with the ability to turn ideas into actionable strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.