About UNREAL
We are UNREAL - a mission-based chocolate snack company that is changing the world by proving the foods we love most don't have to be so bad for us. UNREAL is altering the snacking landscape by reinventing America's favorite confections we all loved ... until we realized what we were eating. We've removed all the artificial stuff; dyes, corn syrup, soy, preservatives, chemicals, GMO's, and excess sugar to create chocolate snacks people can actually feel good about eating. And...the taste is UNREAL!
UNREAL products are available in over 25k locations nationwide, including Whole Foods, Costco, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Target, and online at Thrive Market, Amazon and of course, unrealsnacks.com. And we are just getting started. Our aim is to be the global leader in better-for-you indulgent snacking. And it takes an UNREAL team to make that happen!
Job Summary
The Brand Innovation Manager will play a key role in bringing new products to life as part of UNREAL's 3 year SPP (Strategic Product Plan). Alongside cross-functional partners, they will support and execute new product projects, driving significant incremental growth for the company. This team member will play a critical role in enabling UNREAL to achieve our innovation and portfolio goals.
This role will be focused on Renovation projects. Key priorities include building business cases, leveraging consumer and category insights, recommending insights-driven strategy, and supporting launch execution for all Pack and Product renovations. This includes championing new item launches and other updates through the Stage Gate process. This is a highly collaborative role that will require close partnership with key stakeholders across the organization, including but not limited to PMO, Sales, Marketing, Ops, and our leadership team.
The Brand Innovation Manager will be a vital member of the UNREAL Brand Innovation team and will report directly to the Senior Director, Brand Innovation.
What You'll Do
- Support development and execution of the 3 year rolling SPP, including both innovation and renovation priorities
- Own consumer-driven renovation projects from ideation to launch. This includes:
- Developing business cases for new product renovation projects via consumer, category, industry, and other research
- Championing key renovation projects throughout Stage Gate process by building and presenting comprehensive business plans and recommendations
- Working with PMO and Ops to ensure that approved renovations are tracking throughout Stage Gate process for OTIF (on time in full) delivery
- Developing and executing a GTM plan alongside CS&P and Brand Creative teams
- With partnership from CS&P (customer strategy & planning), own and/or support sales-driven renovation projects and other sales needs that require Brand Innovation support and/or Stage Gate approval
- Serve as a key partner for sell-in with field sales team: help to shape strategy and maximize revenue and growth for renovations
- Support other key brand innovation & SPP initiatives by executing research, building business cases, and more as needed
- Share key updates and progress on 3 year rolling SPP with internal team
Who You Are
- 3-5+ years of relevant work experience within CPG, such as roles in innovation, commercialization, brand management, project management, or other adjacent functions
- Experience working within Stage Gate process or cross-functionally with Project Management, Ops, Sales, and/or Marketing teams preferred
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships - and secure buy in - with cross-functional teams, including leadership
- Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in Excel and familiarity with syndicated data sources (IRI/Nielsen, SPINS)
- A proactive self-starter who's comfortable embracing ambiguity, navigating white space, and thrives in a fast-paced environment
- A creative problem solver who can seamlessly transition between small details and big picture
- Organized and detail oriented with an ability to ruthlessly prioritize
- General knowledge of + passion for food industry & landscape
The base compensation range for this position is between $100,000 - $120,000 annually. This position is also eligible for a 15% bonus. The salary range listed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this position. Individual compensation is determined by additional factors, including role-related experience and relevant education and certifications.
- Please note - bonus payout is prorated to employee start date.
What We Offer
At UNREAL, we are dedicated to providing our employees with a comprehensive array of benefits and perks that resonate deeply with our Core Values. We believe in nurturing our team members, ensuring they feel supported and valued, and enabling them to bring their best selves to work. Below, you'll find an overview of what each UNREAL employee enjoys.
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Unlimited PTO & all federal holidays off
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance - employee premiums are 100% covered, dependent premiums covered at 60%
- Health Reimbursement Account
- 401(k) with company match (eligible to participate after 6 months from hire)
- Up to 18 weeks Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Caregiver, Medical, & Bereavement Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Stipend
- Wellness Stipend
- Monthly Home Office Stipend
- Coworking Stipend for remote employees
- Donation Matching Program
- Unlimited chocolate
- Great teammates and team culture - including department & team events
- Exposure to exciting opportunities at a rapidly growing brand!
Our Core Values
At UNREAL, our Core Values guide how we collaborate with our teammates and our external partners to bring our products to life. We search for candidates who encompass and build upon our Core Values, as outlined below:
Endlessly Pursue Better
Push yourself (and others!) to be the best you can be and do the best you can do. Challenge the status quo. Sweat the small details and don't settle. Hold yourself and our company to sky high standards that will bring us to excellence in all that we do.
Do The Right Thing
Always ask the question "what is the right thing to do?" of yourself, our company, and our partners.
Always a Teacher, Always a Student
Be open enough to share your knowledge and humble enough to absorb new knowledge. This never ending cycle is the cornerstone of growth.
Radiate Good Vibes
Embody the joy we bring to the world with a contagious positive energy.
Make Every Bite Matter
Deliver our promise to make the best bite ever. We will not sacrifice taste, health, or the planet.
Unreal Brands, Inc. is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other legally recognized protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law.
