Marketing Manager

schwans; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking a Marketing Manager to lead portfolio and innovation strategy for our Foodservice Business Unit. You will shape brand, portfolio, and product strategy across Convenience Stores, Chain Restaurants, Broadline, and non-commercial segments, including K-12, Higher Education, Healthcare, and Recreation.

The role requires 6+ years of marketing leadership in CPG, strong financial acumen, and ability to translate consumer insights into growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience required; MBA preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in CPG, with demonstrated leadership in brand, portfolio, and product strategy.
• Proven success leading brand growth, new product launches, innovation initiatives, and translating consumer insights into actionable marketing strategies.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including data-driven decision-making, P&L ownership, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead brand strategy, product strategy, and innovation roadmap to meet growth goals.
• Identify consumer insights and operator value propositions.
• Develop business cases and P&L projections.
• Create clear innovation briefs to guide cross-functional teams.
• Partner with Consumer Insights to develop and validate insights.
• Lead innovations through commercialization with cross-functional teams.
• Manage brand portfolio, ensuring clear positioning and guidelines.
• Develop impactful portfolio marketing materials and training sessions.

Skills

Brand strategy

Portfolio management

Product strategy

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MBA preferred

Job description

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

Are you a strategic marketer ready to drive growth and innovation in a high-impact environment? We’re seeking a Marketing Manager to lead portfolio and innovation strategy for our Foodservice Business Unit which has outpaced industry growth and earned recognition for excellence.

In this role, you’ll shape portfolio strategy, drive innovation, and translate consumer and operator insights into growth opportunities across Convenience Stores, Chain Restaurants, Broadline, and non-commercial segments, including K-12, Higher Education, Healthcare, and Recreation. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing business while helping shape the future of our Foodservice portfolio.

What You Will Do:

Drive Portfolio Strategy & Innovation

Lead brand strategy, product strategy, and innovation roadmap to deliver against business growth goals.

• Identify consumer insights and operator value propositions
• Develop business cases and P&L projections
• Create clear innovation briefs to align and guide cross-functional teams
• Partner with Consumer Insights to develop and validate consumer and operator insights
• Lead innovations through commercialization in partnership with cross-functional teams

Portfolio Brand Strategy

Manage brand portfolio, ensuring clear positioning, portfolio role and guidelines.

Support Sales Enablement

Develop impactful portfolio marketing materials, training sessions and collaborate on trade and customer strategies.

Collaborate Cross-Functionally

Develop and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships to enable portfolio strategy and innovation development.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience required; MBA preferred
• 6+ years of progressive marketing experience, preferably in CPG, with demonstrated leadership in brand, portfolio, and product strategy
• Proven success leading brand growth, new product launches, innovation initiatives, and translating consumer insights into actionable marketing strategies
• Strong business and financial acumen, including data-driven decision-making, P&L ownership, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually, with eligibility for a 20% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs.