Innovation Planner Jobs

Innovation Planner

We’re OperationsInc, a Human Resources consulting company. Our client, Yellow Wood Partners, is a Boston-based private investment firm that invests exclusively in the consumer industry https://www.yellowwoodpartners.com/. They have recently purchased Suave brand in North America from Unilever. They have retained us to find an Innovation Planner to join the new team at Suave.

Suave is a leading personal care brand that sells products across hair care, body care, and anti-perspirant/ deodorant. This is an exciting opportunity to get in at the ground floor of this new, stand-alone company. Suave is the #1 hair care brand in America by volume stressing great product quality at an attractive price. They have been providing consumers with accessible high-quality products for over 75 years!

Position Summary:

Suave is looking for an Innovation Planner to become a part of their vibrant team. The successful candidate will take the helm in formulating and executing cutting-edge strategies that enhance product offerings and stimulate sustained growth. They will work in unison with cross-functional teams to uncover and act on innovation opportunities, manage our robust innovation pipeline, and hold a pivotal role in the product development lifecycle from conception to launch. Strong Project Management skills are required. The position will be in the Bergen County, New Jersey area. The ideal candidate will be able to commute to the office on a regular basis.

Primary Responsibilities Include the Following:

• Foster collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams including marketing, R&D, finance, and operations to discern, assess, and prioritize new product opportunities.
• Maintain and communicate project status to all stakeholders.
• Lead day-to-day project management execution.
• Proactively manage potential issues and drive to a resolution with cross functional teams.
• Develop project timelines and identify milestones that support the planned in-store date.
• Lead weekly and ad-hoc project team meetings.
• Oversee the product development journey from ideation to launch, inclusive of product testing, packaging design, and production strategizing.
• Manage the end-to-end commercialization process efficiently, striving for speed and accuracy across all products and all channels.
• Manage a portfolio of multiple innovations across Personal Care Categories that will accelerate the growth of the Suave business.

Primary Requirements Include the Following:

• Outstanding communication and presentation prowess.
• Comprehensive understanding of the beauty and personal care sector, including market trends, competitive landscape, and consumer behavior.
• Exceptional project management, strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• At least 5 years' experience in supply chain planning, strategic planning, product development, or a similar role within the beauty and personal care sector.
• Robust financial acumen and experience in crafting business cases.
• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven leadership in steering cross-functional teams and managing intricate projects.

Personal Attributes Include the Following:

• Collaboration – Cross functional cooperation throughout the entire organization as well as with partners and 3rd parties.
• Results-oriented - Ability to drive results to and above plan with full accountability, proactively shifting efforts as trends and business variables change.
• Inquisitive individual who has a history of seeking out best practices and successfully assimilating them into his / her organization.