About the position
The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024. The company is looking for a passionate Marketing Innovation Director / Group Platform Manager to lead the global MARKETING Innovation Team at BABYBEL. This role focuses on the Babybel Brand portfolio and requires a visionary thinker with the ability to create, inspire, and innovate. The position is not a Research and Development role but will closely collaborate with R&D. The ideal candidate will thrive at the intersection of creativity and strategy, with strong project management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with local teams and R&D teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and own Innovation and Renovation strategy (top line & bottom line) at a worldwide level
- Build a clear & robust roadmap to feed into the brand's 5-year strategy; prioritize innovation pipeline for topline growth
- Work collaboratively across teams to bring consumer-centric concepts to life
- Manage a multi cultural cross location innovation team, be a key contact and very strong business partner for our local teams
- Monitor and analyze trends to ensure Bel stays ahead of the curve in emerging markets and technology
- Align innovations with Bel's commitment to creating sustainable, natural, and enjoyable products
- Ensure COGS & Profitability targets are met and sourcing is optimized, lead platform extensions and productivity programs
Requirements
- 10 years of experience in innovation management, R&D, or related fields
- Passionate about trends in food, sustainability, and technology
- Exceptional collaboration and leadership skills to drive your team to success
- Creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks in the pursuit of innovations
- Proven analytical skills and strong attention to detail
- Exceptional presentation skills
- Entrepreneurial spirit and high level of enthusiasm for the business and its growth
- Self-starter who can thrive without extensive supervision
- Fluent in English is a must, fluent in French is a plus
- Strategic thinking with the ability to execute and deliver results
Benefits
- Base Salary: $175,000 - $195,000
- Bonus Opportunity: 28%
- 401k, Medical, Dental, Vision from Day One
- PTO days and more
- Hybrid work schedule in Chicago
