Senior Innovation Brand Manager - Growth & Launches

Mars; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 154,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Accelerator, the global division behind KIND, seeks a Sr. Brand Manager, Innovation to own the next wave of consumer-led launches. You will lead a team, partner with Research & Development and Finance, and shape an 18‑month to 3‑year innovation pipeline that drives growth for one of the world’s leading snacking brands.

The role requires deep consumer insight, end-to-end product design leadership, and the ability to navigate a matrixed organization to deliver on ambitious innovation goals.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required, preferably in Marketing, Business Administration or a technical discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Marketing, Brand Management or Innovation within CPG, with at least 4 years in an innovation role on a scaled consumer brand.
• Entrepreneurial by instinct with bias for action and ability to manage multi-year pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Own the KIND innovation strategy across formats, occasions and adjacencies grounded in consumer insights.
• Lead product design, packaging, nutrition and claims to deliver the proposition in the hand.
• Set learning plans with Consumer Research for concept screening, sensory and in-market validation.
• Manage stage-gate processes, IBP steps and portfolio decisions with cross-functional partners.
• Build and defend business cases including volume, margin and investment for launches.
• Develop and mentor Brand Manager and Senior Associate Brand Manager.

Skills

Brand management

Innovation

Consumer research

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Marketing or related

MBA preferred

Tools

AI-enabled insights tools

Job description

Mars Accelerator, the global division behind KIND, seeks a Sr. Brand Manager, Innovation to own the next wave of consumer-led launches. You will lead a team, partner with Research & Development and Finance, and shape an 18‑month to 3‑year innovation pipeline that drives growth for one of the world’s leading snacking brands.

The role requires deep consumer insight, end-to-end product design leadership, and the ability to navigate a matrixed organization to deliver on ambitious innovation goals.