Product Innovation Manager

We’re partnering with a growing consumer products organization in the pet industry seeking an experienced Product Innovation Manager to lead the development of new pet nutrition products, formats, and innovation initiatives across a portfolio of brands.This role is ideal for someone who combines strong market awareness, product development expertise, and consumer insight to bring innovative products to life in a fast-moving category.Worksite Location: 100% Remote, US Based onlySalary: $125k-$140k/yr base salary plus annual bonus.Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401k match, maternity/paternity leave program, adoption benefits, short-term/long-term disability, continued education, and training reimbursement program.Key ResponsibilitiesInnovation Strategy & Opportunity IdentificationSupport and execute innovation strategies aligned with business and brand growth objectivesIdentify emerging opportunities across areas such as functional nutrition, premium ingredients, alternative proteins, and evolving feeding trendsMonitor category and consumer trends to help shape future product direction Product Development & CommercializationLead concept ideation and new product development initiatives from early-stage innovation through commercializationManage cross-functional innovation projects involving product development, operations, marketing, and regulatory teamsSupport development across multiple product formats including dry food, wet food, treats, and supplementsEnsure product concepts align with consumer needs, brand positioning, and portfolio strategy Consumer Insights & Market AnalysisTranslate consumer insights and purchasing behaviors into differentiated product conceptsConduct competitive analysis and identify whitespace opportunities within the categorySupport product testing, validation, and performance evaluation effortsCollaborate with internal teams to assess product quality, safety, and shelf stability Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner closely with teams across R&D, supply chain, marketing, quality, and regulatoryCoordinate with external vendors, ingredient suppliers, and manufacturing partnersHelp drive alignment between innovation priorities and go-to-market initiatives Regulatory & Quality SupportEnsure products meet applicable industry and regulatory standardsSupport labeling, claims review, and ingredient compliance efforts in partnership with regulatory teams Qualifications3-5+ years of experience within pet food, food & beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG)Experience launching products in regulated environmentsBackground in product innovation, R&D, commercialization, or brand strategy preferredStrong project management and cross-functional collaboration skillsAbility to balance analytical thinking with creativity and consumer insight Preferred TraitsPassion for consumer products and innovationCurious, trend-focused mindsetStrong communication and collaboration skillsComfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environmentAbout VersiqueVersique: /ver-seek/ adj. being both versatile and unique; n. a high-performance recruiting firm specializing in executive leadership search, direct hire, and interim hiring solutions. Versique Executive, Professional, & Interim Recruiting is a locally owned and operated hiring and placement firm based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. With specialized practice areas across our three divisions, Versique delivers tailored expertise to a wide range of industries. What sets us apart is our team of recruiters—seasoned professionals who have worked in the very fields they now hire for, providing unmatched industry insight and connections.We believe people are more than just resumes—they are transformative, unlocking the potential for organizational growth and success.Versique is proud to be award-winning, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's Fast 50 list for 2023. We are also consistently recognized as a Star Tribune Top Workplace and were named a Best Place to Work in 2022 by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.Let's find your people, together.Versique is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.