Associate Brand Manager- Disruptive Innovation

General information

All posting locations Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Function 05 - Marketing

Date Published 27-Jun-2023

Ref # R-71576

Description & Requirements

Are you ready to invent a new way of working? Lead some of the biggest innovations across Kraft Heinz? Create new capabilities that reimagine how we innovate? As part of Disruptive Innovation- you will be a part of building both what we bring to market and how we do it that will be game changers for Kraft Heinz and the food industry.

This role sits in the Growth Office on the Disruptive Innovation team and be responsible for leading our channel transformation initiative. The Associate Brand Manager- Innovation will be a key member of a small- focused cross functional team to bring new products & new business models to life for some of the fastest growing food channels in the industry.

This position requires a candidate that is a self-starter- strategic thinker- creative problem solver and driver of results. This approach to disruptive innovation is new within the growth organization so the individual needs to be flexible- have a growth mindset- and be comfortable with ambiguity. This role will require a high level of collaboration with the business units to develop the strategy and implement the launch. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves in this dynamic role- team- and space- we want to hear from you!

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Member of a dedicated Agile Pod team (5 person cross-functional team focused on launching new innovation)
• Support key initiatives- including but not limited to pipeline creation- development and execution for the proposition & lead overall capability at key channels
• Develop and implement experiments to Test- Learn and Iterate solutions with consumers and retailers
• Support a fit-to-win capability to build out and rethink how we innovate at Kraft Heinz
• Lead the P&L- competitive analysis and retailer sell-in materials (in partnership with business unit)
• Champion for Design Thinking and Scrum methodologies across KHC

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Understanding of Financial P&L
• Outstanding verbal- written and interpersonal communications skills to internal/external partners
• Ability to simplify complex problems and make decisions quickly in pursuit of constant forward progress
• Excellent strategic and analytical skills; ability to use syndicated data sources to assess competitive space- bringing forth insights and recommendations to integrate into overall strategy
• Demonstrated ability to influence teams and experience managing multiple collaborators
• Experience with Design Thinking- Lean Start Up & Agile Teams (SCRUM) a plus
• Experience in cross-functional team management; self confident individual who can work collaboratively
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong “big picture” perspective- while also delivering the innovation initiative at hand
• Seasoned experience in marketing for an established or startup CPG company
• Strong personal motivation in fast-paced- often ambiguous environment- with a bias for action
• Prior or relevant experience working in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) & Innovation a plus
• Consumer centric & growth mindset – learn fast vs. avoid failure

Work Environment & Schedule

This is a Hybrid role with 2-3 days a week in the local office- with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspaces. Additionally- this role requires working a salaried- exempt schedule to best execute against customer and internal expectations

Physical demands include but not limited to

• Willingness to drive and/or travel as needed
• Operate a computer and view screens for ~100% of work schedule

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with a delicious heritage. With iconic and emerging food and beverage brands around the world, we deliver the best taste, fun and quality to every meal table we touch. We’re on a mission to disrupt not only our own business, but the global food industry. A consumer obsession and unexpected partnerships fuel our progress as we drive innovation across every part of our company.

Around the world, our people are connected by a culture of ownership, agility and endless curiosity. We also believe in being good humans, who are working to improve our company, communities, and planet. We’re proud of where we’ve been – and even more thrilled about where we’re headed – as we nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We grow our people to grow our business. We champion great people who bring ambition, curiosity, and high performance to the table as the guardians of our beloved and nostalgic brands. Good isn't good enough. We choose greatness every day by challenging the ordinary and making bold decisions. All while celebrating our wins - and our failures – as we work together to lead the future of food.

Challenging the status quo takes talent. We invest in your purpose and potential by developing skills and nurturing strengths that leave a legacy on our business and a lasting impact on your career. Because great people make great companies, and we’re growing something great here at Kraft Heinz.