Product Development & Innovation Manager (CPG)

Manager, Product Development & Innovation (CPG)The Manager of Product Development & Innovation is responsible for leading the execution of product development and R&D initiatives within a dynamic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) environment. The role oversees the end-to-end development lifecyclefrom concept ideation and formulation through commercialization assuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with consumer, customer, regulatory, and quality standards.This role serves as a key integrator across R&D, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Manufacturing, translating consumer insights and business priorities into scalable, market-ready solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & R&D ExecutionLead end-to-end product development activities including formulation, prototyping, validation, scale-up, and commercializationPartner with R&D to guide technical feasibility, ingredient selection, product performance, and claims supportExecute product renovation and optimization initiatives to improve cost, quality, sustainability, and consumer experienceEnsure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and labeling requirements across marketsCross-Functional LeadershipAct as the primary development lead across Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, and ManufacturingTranslate consumer and customer insights into clear development briefs and technical requirementsAlign development timelines with launch plans, customer commitments, and operational readinessCommunicate risks, tradeoffs, and progress with clarity and accountabilityCommercialization & Scale-UpLead pilot and plant trials to ensure successful scale-up and production readinessPartner with Supply Chain and Procurement on sourcing strategies, supplier qualification, and cost optimizationSupport smooth handoff from development into full-scale manufacturingBudget & Investment ManagementOversee innovation-related development budgets and resource allocationEnsure disciplined investment of R&D and development spend toward highest-impact initiativesPartner with Finance to build business cases, validate assumptions, and track financial performance and ROI across projectsProcess Discipline & Continuous ImprovementManage multiple development programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentApply standardized development processes, governance, and documentationIdentify opportunities to improve speed-to-market, predictability, and execution efficiencyIn This Role, You Will BringBachelor's degree required, Food Science, Product Development, R&D, or innovation roles.Entrepreneurial mindset with experience supporting growth of new products, platforms, or brandsProven ability to work cross-functionally with Marketing, Insights, Sales, Finance, Operations, and Manufacturing.Strong strategic thinking paired with hands-on execution and commercialization.Consumer-obsessed, with strong intuition for trends, unmet needs, and evolving preferencesAnalytical and data-driven, able to translate insights into clear actions and decisionsInfluential collaborator capable of aligning stakeholders and driving outcomes without direct authorityResults-driven with a strong sense of ownership, urgency, and accountabilityComfortable operating in ambiguity and making sound decisions with incomplete information.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and any project management software.Additional RequirementsUp to 30% of travel requiredThis role is based at the corporate office in Sioux City, IA