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Food Innovation Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lactalis US Yogurt

Manager, Innovation

Bedford, NH · On-site

From your PASSION to ours The Manager, Innovation will be a strategic business partner in the ... Experience in a food category a plus. * Demonstrated experience commercializing new products or ...

QuikTrip

Corporate Food Scientist

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Supports the Front-End Development team and Food Innovation & Product Development Manager in product development and production scale, along with daily execution of R&D related activities (NPD/PLM)

QuikTrip

Corporate Food Scientist

Tulsa, OK

Supports the Front-End Development team and Food Innovation & Product Development Manager in product development and production scale, along with daily execution of R&D related activities (NPD/PLM)

Lactalis LUSY

Manager, Innovation

Bedford, NH · On-site

From your PASSION to ours The Manager, Innovation will be a strategic business partner in the ... Experience in a food category a plus. * Demonstrated experience commercializing new products or ...

PepsiCo

Manager, Innovation and Indicate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Driven by innovation and a focus on creating joyful moments through food and drinks, our decisions ... Effectively manage agency partners and internal stakeholders to deliver high quality, timely, and ...

PepsiCo

Manager, Innovation and Indicate

Plano, TX

$110K - $185K/yr

Driven by innovation and a focus on creating joyful moments through food and drinks, our decisions ... Effectively manage agency partners and internal stakeholders to deliver high quality, timely, and ...

PepsiCo

Manager, Innovation and Indicate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Driven by innovation and a focus on creating joyful moments through food and drinks, our decisions ... Effectively manage agency partners and internal stakeholders to deliver high quality, timely, and ...

PepsiCo

Manager, Innovation and Indicate

Plano, TX · On-site

$110K - $185K/yr

Driven by innovation and a focus on creating joyful moments through food and drinks, our decisions ... Effectively manage agency partners and internal stakeholders to deliver high quality, timely, and ...

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Food Innovation Manager information

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How much do food innovation manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for food innovation manager in the United States is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Innovation Manager vs Food Product Developer?

AspectFood Innovation ManagerFood Product Developer
Primary FocusOversees innovation strategies, explores new food concepts, manages R&D teamsDesigns, develops, and tests new food products
Required SkillsInnovation management, project coordination, food science knowledgeFood formulation, product testing, culinary skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate R&D, innovation labs, cross-functional teamsProduct development labs, manufacturing facilities
Common EmployersFood companies, FMCG brands, innovation consultanciesFood manufacturing companies, startups, R&D centers

While both roles involve food development, the Food Innovation Manager focuses on strategic innovation and managing teams to explore new concepts, whereas the Food Product Developer concentrates on creating and testing specific food products. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a Food Innovation Manager do?

A Food Innovation Manager is responsible for developing and implementing new food products, processes, or technologies within a company. They lead cross-functional teams to research market trends, identify consumer needs, and oversee the creation and launch of innovative food items. Their role involves collaborating with chefs, food scientists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure products are both creative and commercially viable. They also monitor industry developments to keep their company at the forefront of food trends and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Innovation Manager, you need expertise in food science, product development, and market trend analysis, often supported by a degree in food technology, culinary arts, or a related field. Familiarity with food safety regulations, sensory analysis tools, and product lifecycle management software is typically required. Creativity, project management, and strong communication skills help drive successful cross-functional collaboration and innovative product launches. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing market-ready food products that meet consumer demands and regulatory standards.

What are the typical cross-functional collaborations for a Food Innovation Manager, and how do they impact daily work?

Food Innovation Managers regularly collaborate with teams such as R&D, marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance. These interactions are essential for aligning product development with market trends, ensuring feasibility in production, and maintaining compliance with food safety standards. Daily activities often involve joint meetings, brainstorming sessions, and coordinating timelines to bring innovative products from concept to launch. Successful collaboration helps streamline processes, fosters creative solutions, and accelerates time-to-market for new products.
What cities are hiring for Food Innovation Manager jobs? Cities with the most Food Innovation Manager job openings:
What states have the most Food Innovation Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Innovation Manager jobs include:
Food Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Innovation Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,753 per year, or $22 per hour.
Manager, Innovation

Manager, Innovation

Lactalis US Yogurt

Bedford, NH • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.
At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.
As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.
In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.
At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.
Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.
From your PASSION to ours
The Manager, Innovation will be a strategic business partner in the development of the innovation pipeline and will work closely with Marketing, Project Management, R&D, Sales, and all levels of Leadership. This role will develop and commercialize new products from idea to launch that meet the needs of consumers and customers, align with portfolio strategy, and achieve long-term brand and financial objectives. The role will contribute to the development and execution of new products ideas and bundles by uncovering consumer insights, launching on-time with excellence, category landscape analyses, competitive assessments, and through collaborating and cultivating strong working relationships with cross-functional partners (R&D, Project Management, Insights, Sales Strategy, Regulatory, Brand). The Manager, Innovation will report to the Head of Innovation and Insights.
From your STORY to ours\
  • In partnership with the Head of Innovation, develop and commercialize the innovation pipeline for designated brands, on time and within budget.
  • Manage the design and execution of research projects to uncover consumer needs.
  • Lead concept, formulation, and packaging development, vetting against company benchmarks.
  • Create business cases, briefs, and presentations, performing post-mortem/hindsight reviews.
  • Present new business ideas in a clear, concise manner with supporting rationale.
  • Create presentation decks using compelling storytelling techniques that drive cross-functional and Leadership buy-in.
  • Be an active thinking partner for Innovation and Brand teams.
  • Learn and practice basic Front End innovation skills and techniques in facilitation, brainstorming, concept creation, problem solving and seek ways to apply internally.
  • Attend thought leadership conferences and webinars to level-up innovation and insights expertise and help to create an innovation culture.
  • Manage the Innovation budget.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements
From your EXPERTISE to ours
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience (7 years) in Marketing or related field required. MBA preferred

Experience
  • 3+ years of marketing experience in consumer package goods or related field. Experience in a food category a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience commercializing new products or product improvements.
  • Experience with a purpose-driven brand, a plus.

Certifications and specific knowledge
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate to all levels of the organization, including the ability to present business information in a group setting.
  • Proficiency with Circana tools.
  • Ability to operate in a matrixed team environment.
  • High comfort level with collaboration and securing input from others.
  • Able to communicate and influence senior leaders.
  • Demonstrate confidence, thought leadership, and comfort with taking risk in ambiguous situations.
  • Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, analytical proficiency, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and team collaboration.
  • Ability to shift from 'big picture' thinking to practical implementation with ease and build a bridge from short term to long term.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply insights.
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
  • Ability to adapt quickly in a fluid work environment.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

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