Brand Manager, Innovation

At Utz Quality Foods, we're more than just chips-we're a century-strong family of passionate snack lovers who are on a mission to delight every bite. With beloved brands like Utz, Zapp's, Boulder Canyon, and On the Border, our flavor-packed portfolio fuels bold innovation, regional pride, and national appeal. Now, we're accelerating our growth and reimagining what the future of snacking can be-and we're looking for an Innovationdriven Brand Manager to help lead the charge.

The Brand Manager, Innovation develops and launches new products in alignment with consumer and customer needs, company goals, and brand strategy. This role reports to the Brand Director, Innovation, and is responsible for supporting pipeline development, performing analyses to inform business decisions, and leading innovation projects. The Brand Manager, Innovation partners with cross-functional teams to drive innovation initiatives, execute project tasks, and contribute to the successful commercialization of products.

*This position is based in Chicago, IL and is a remote opportunity, but does require travel as needed.

What You'll do:

• Analyze data and market/consumer research to identify trends, gather insights, and translate insights into recommendations and business opportunities that will drive innovation efforts.
• Support the preparation of presentations and materials for senior leaders to help gain buy-in and secure cross-functional resources for innovation projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., R&D, Brand Marketing, Regulatory) to manage assigned projects and secure organizational support.
• Lead the innovation responsibilities for the end-to-end commercialization process for assigned projects, ensuring executional excellence. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, concept development, product brief development, forecasting, price/pack architecture and P&Ls/financial analysis, design briefing, product launch, post-launch tracking/reporting.
• Contribute to cross-functional project teams as the project lead to deliver updates and help meet organizational goals and timelines.
• Create sales materials and tools to aid in the successful launch of new products.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Bring:

Education:

• BA/BS degree in Marketing, Business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• MBA or other advanced degree a plus, but not required

Experience:

• 6+ years of relevant marketing or brand management experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry
• Experience with product development and commercialization projects
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Nielsen, IRI)

Skills:

• Strong data analysis and critical thinking skills, with ability to turn analyses and insights into recommendations
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with efficient time management
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., storytelling through PowerPoint slides, data analysis/reporting/pivot tables through Excel)
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Interest in consumer insights, innovation, and brand development

External Recruitment Process:

• Easy Application (5 mins): Introduce yourself and answer a few key questions to get started.
• Engaging Chat Interview (20-25 mins): Share your experiences in an online chat, highlighting how your values align with ours.
• Live Interview: Selected candidates will meet with the hiring manager to explore their alignment with the team and overall Utz company culture.

Why You'll Love It Here:

Our people are the secret ingredient to our success, and we're committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and growth-focused environment. Here's a taste of the benefits:

• Full-time benefits including medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) match + profit sharing plan/bonus program
• Employee stock purchase program
• Career development opportunities in a fast-growing company
• A passionate, mission-driven team that knows how to have fun

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.