The Nestlé Professional Solutions at Nestlé USA leverages its position as the world's largest food and beverage company to bring brands that you enjoy in your home, to other areas of your life such as the workplace, restaurants, hotels, and your neighborhood College or University. Our portfolio of products and solutions includes beloved brands such as Stouffer's, Coffee mate, Nescafé, and Starbucks. With our extensive networks and industry knowledge, we offer unparalleled support and guidance to foodservice operators, ensuring their success in a competitive market. We strive to contribute to a healthier future by providing the finest ingredients and operational knowledge to every type of foodservice operation. The strength of our trusted brands is supported by a team of skilled professionals who are dedicated to deepening their industry experience. Our team of culinary experts and skilled product developers partner closely with foodservice professionals to generate creative, branded food and beverage solutions that address a wide variety of needs. Our employees thrive on opportunities to grow and develop within the food-service industry, ensuring that we are always at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.

 
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Nestlé Professional Solutions Grab & Go business is seeking an Innovation Lead with experience in product innovation, development, and commercialization and a track record of successful project management and cross functional leadership. This position will drive profitable growth through new innovative platforms and products that meet the needs of foodservice operators and the On-the-Go consumer. This role will also be responsible for accomplishing growth through renovation of existing portfolio and portfolio extensions that leverage the capabilities across the Nestlé organization.

The Grab & Go Innovation Lead will provide vital input to the development of products and platforms based on knowledge of consumer and operator insights, market need, and existing and future capability understanding. They will collaborate within Grab & Go Marketing Team and work with cross-functional teams across NPS to bring strategy to life. 

Key Responsibilities

The job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Innovation Strategy and Execution

• Execute Grab & Go Innovation Pipeline and continue to build future pipeline based on evolving market needs
• Serve as the key interface between internal teams (R&D, PD, Manufacturing Services, QA, Commercialization, and Finance) to develop a scalable portfolio of product solutions that grows our Grab & Go Portfolio of platforms profitably.
• Management of i2L (Innovation to Launch) across Grab & Go projects
• Partners with PD & TAG teams to manage prioritization, pipeline, and results at prioritized acquisition targets using screening and scope of work briefing tools.
• Interact with Commercial Development, Sales, and Insights to understand business needs and propose new product solutions.
• Manage the end-to-end new product development process internally with speed and urgency to deliver quality product on time

• Work with cross-functional teams on development of NPS bakery & handheld platform in accordance with business ICP and MBS plans.
• Utilize strong strategic and communication skills and ability to assemble and motivate cross-functional teams including channel marketing, PD, R&D, sales, finance and supply chain to accomplish product innovation, renovation, and go-to-market plans.

Marketing

• Strong collaboration across Grab & Go marketing team to drive innovation strategy leveraging operator and consumer insights, stakeholder inputs, and market dynamics.
• Develop a deep understanding of the demographics, psychographics, occasions, path to purchase, and behavioral drivers of the business’ operators and consumers through data and research to prioritize growth opportunities
• Collaboration within Marketing Team to take products from innovation to commercialization

Administration

• Keeps Grab & Go marketing team and cross-functional teams informed on project status and progress through clear and actionable communication
• Upholds Nestlé Professional Solutions and industry expectations for Professionalism.
• Routinely shares relevant best-practices with peer network.
• Keeps project activities and progress notes current in project management tracking tools like I2L
• Reconciles T&E budget in compliance with standards of Nestlé USA.

Qualifications

• Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) in Marketing, Food Science, or related business field, or equivalent experience.
• Post-graduate degree strongly preferred.
• Basic financial acumen and understanding of calculating risk/return on business decisions.

• Requires up to 25% travel

Critical Experiences

• At least 5+ years of experience in a business role leading the development of new/existing products or strategies from conception to implementation
• Foodservice or CPG experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability and initiative to drive cross-functional teams to deliver collective brand and business goals.
• P&L experience and strong planning skills.

Skills

• Entrepreneurial qualities: a bias for action, ownership of responsibilities, willingness to take risks, moving with speed and urgency to move the business forward and seize opportunities.
• Excellent Project Management and organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects on short and complex timelines.
• Ability to work independently, autonomously, and adapt quickly to change and deliver results
• Ability to prioritize workload and self-manage projects, handle multiple tasks, and meet strict deadlines
• Strong cross-functional leadership to influence and challenge teams to effective and efficient cooperation.
• Strong negotiation and relationship building skills
• Creativity in finding solutions and in making internal process improvements.
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent presentation abilities (for external and internal audiences)
• Must have strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Analytical skills that leverage quantitative and qualitative information sources.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
 
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
 

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

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Job Requisition: 356362