Solo Product Innovation Manager

The SOLO Product Innovation Manager develops and manages the SOLO product innovation pipeline and new products to maximize long-term profitability and growth. The individual in this role will lead cross-functional teams to deliver insights, strategy, execution, and P&L results on consumer-centric innovations across product, packaging, and new operating models for the U.S. Consumer Products (CP) Business.

Day-to-Day Role:

• Develop and implement an innovation strategy on SOLO brand and multi-year innovation pipeline of new SOLO brand products, new categories, and innovations in close collaboration with other functions. 
• Lead cross-functional teams on all facets of innovation including exploration/discovery, business case development, design/development, feasibility, testing, go-to-market launch planning, and measurement.
• Build robust business cases in collaboration with other departments to support innovation using data driven, analytical, and financial skills (e.g., NPV, income statement, ROI, DCF) 
• Conduct strategic assessments to ensure innovation concepts are grounded in strategic insights (cultural, consumer, category, competitive, and legislative), are differentiated, fit with SOLO’s brand positioning, technically and financially feasible, and support business needs.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies on innovation strategies and go-to-market plans (e.g., marketing messaging, brand activation, packaging graphics, forecasting, pricing, portfolio strategy) to achieve desired outcomes and financial results.
• Prepare and present monthly and quarterly pipeline updates and performance against innovation metrics with recommended actions needed to manage risks, achieve strategic objectives, and achieve desired P&L results.
• Assist/conduct market research studies to identify whitespace opportunities and to validate innovations, product concepts, and claims. 
• Model/promote a culture of collaboration and accountability within the Business team and throughout the organization incorporating company policies, procedures, and philosophies.

Core Skills and Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess all of the following:

• Two (2) years of experience in consumer brand marketing
• Two (2) years of experience in consumer goods (CPG/FMCG) with demonstrated experience leading new product launches on brands sold in the Mass, Club, Grocery and eCommerce channels
• Foundational consumer marketing skills including product positioning, consumer/market research, concept writing, creative development, agency management, commercialization, forecasting, guidance of P&L development, and syndicated consumption data (IRI/Nielsen)
• Experience with Stage-Gate with strong project management skills
• Experience with consumer research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and interpreting consumer research for insights
• High degree of personal and professional credibility, including responsiveness, business focus, integrity, personal accountability, sound judgment, ability to prioritize effectively across competing demands, and lead & collaborate to solve problems quickly
• Data-driven thinking with strong analytical and financial skillset (e.g. NPV, income statement, ROI, DCF) combined with creativity, critical thinking, and a strategic mindset 
• Proven ability to drive change including the ability to collaborate and influence all levels
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills
• Comfortable with ambiguity, take calculated risks, and act with a healthy sense of urgency
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including the ability to create reports, documents, presentations and spreadsheets, in MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required, Master’s degree preferred
• Experience with intellectual property management preferred
• Experience with consumer goods licensing strategies and partnerships preferred
• SAP experience preferred
• Experience with a manufacturing company preferred

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red Solo cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for more than 50 years. Dart is a family-owned, family-focused company of 13,000 employees united by a shared set of values. Headquartered in Mason, MI, Dart has 30 locations in four countries.

Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.

Dart Container is a drug-free workplace.  Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.

*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.

Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/

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If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.