Sr. Innovation Manager

SnackCraft; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SnackCraft in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Senior Innovation Manager to lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies for growth and competitive advantage in the food industry. The role manages cross-functional teams and a culture of innovation, with emphasis on food science and technology.

The position requires 7–10 years of experience in innovation management, strong leadership, and the ability to drive projects from ideation to execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field.
• 7–10 years proven experience in innovation management, preferably in the food industry.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food science, innovation processes, market analysis, and project management principles.
• Experience with PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time while meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D for new food products, especially in emerging areas like alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and fermentation.
• Oversee formulation, ingredient selection, and sensory optimization.
• Translate scientific findings into commercially viable food products.
• Explore and implement novel processing technologies and manufacturing methods.
• Develop and track metrics to measure the success and progress of innovative initiatives.
• Optimize production processes for scalability, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot trials.
• Ensure products meet FDA, HACCP, and other relevant standards.
• Guide accurate nutrition labeling and allergen declarations.
• Maintain documentation for audits and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure all new products and processes comply with relevant food safety and regulatory standards.
• Align innovation strategies with business goals and market trends.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and external partners (e.g., universities, suppliers).
• Represent the organization at industry events and innovation forums.
• Lead cross-functional innovation teams.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables for R&D projects.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of innovation.
• Monitor global food trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities for intellectual property and competitive advantage.

Skills

Innovation management

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Food science

Market analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science/food tech or related field

Master's degree or professional certifications preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512

Description: The Senior Innovation Manager will lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies and processes to drive the growth and competitive advantage of SnackCraft a leading copacker. This role involves managing cross‑functional teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring the successful execution of innovation initiatives, with a strong focus on food science and technology.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role utilizes standard office equipment (i.e. computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines) and requires some work to be completed on the factory floor.

Physical Demands

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.
• You must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, sitting, or crouching.
• Ability to walk and stand up during shift.

Competencies

• Innovation Strategy: Develop and implement innovative strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives, with a focus on food science and technology.
• Project Management: Oversee the innovation process from ideation to execution, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Product Development: Lead the development of new food products, including formulation, process optimization, and sensory evaluation.
• Market Research: Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging trends, technologies, and market opportunities in the food industry.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between different departments to drive innovation and ensure effective implementation of new ideas.

Core Responsibilities

Product Innovation & Development

• Lead R&D for new food products, especially in emerging areas like alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and fermentation.
• Oversee formulation, ingredient selection, and sensory optimization.
• Translate scientific findings into commercially viable food products.

Process & Technology Innovation

• Explore and implement novel processing technologies and manufacturing methods.
• Develop and track metrics to measure the success and progress of innovative initiatives.
• Optimize production processes for scalability, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Conduct feasibility studies and pilot trials.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure products meet FDA, HACCP, and other relevant standards.
• Guide accurate nutrition labeling and allergen declarations.
• Maintain documentation for audits and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure all new products and processes comply with relevant food safety and regulatory standards.

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Align innovation strategies with business goals and market trends.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and external partners (e.g., universities, suppliers).
• Represent the organization at industry events and innovation forums.

Team & Project Management

• Lead cross‑functional innovation teams.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables for R&D projects.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a culture of innovation.
• Monitor global food trends, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities for intellectual property and competitive advantage.

Other

• Follow and enforce all OSHA Safety Regulation and Safety Rules.
• Utilize knowledge and research methods to benchmark materials, planning activities and to drive best practice results.
• Work towards and support a culture of continuous improvement and work to make business and department improvements wherever possible.
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in food science, food technology, or a related field. A master's degree or professional certifications are preferred.
• Experience: 7‑10 years proven experience in innovation management, preferably in the food industry. Experience in leading cross‑functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of food science, innovation processes, market analysis, and project management principles.
• Experience with PowerPoint and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time while meeting deadlines.
• Interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish effective professional relationships with employees and project managers.
• Strong leadership skills and collaboration of teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Must demonstrate strong management skills.
• Must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by established Company Safety standards.