V.I.E. Associate Brand Manager of Innovation TLC

You know our brands The Laughing Cow Babybel Boursin Kaukauna Merkts Prices and GoGo squeez which elicit smiles across America. They are daring responsible and deliver dairy goodness. As you imagine this mindset is contagious! Bel Brands USA is part of an international family company which has led an ambitious growth strategy for 150 years and is today the worlds third largest branded cheese company. If like our 11000 employees globally and 900 people in the US you want to have an impact in an entrepreneurial and demanding company and share smiles around the world dare to live the Bel experience!

Bel Brands USA is headquartered in Chicago and operates two manufacturing plants in Little Chute WI and Brookings SD.

Background and organization

The Innovation Brand Management organization is responsible for identifying developing and launching new products and concepts that drive brand growth and relevance. This team translates consumer insights trends and market opportunities into innovative solutions working cross-functionally to bring ideas from concept to market. Their role is essential in building a pipeline of breakthrough innovations that support the overall brand strategy and long-term business objectives.

You will report to the Senior Brand Manager supporting the Laughing Cow brand across several areas including but not limited to product commercialization consumer insights and category analysis meeting preparations forecasting cross functional team alignment meetings leadership presentations product tastings graphics development and agency briefings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

You support and/or lead various Brand Innovation activities including but not limited to:

Support Innovation Pipeline: Assist in identifying developing and launching new products and concepts that align with the brands growth strategy and consumer trends.

Market & Consumer Insight Analysis: Gather and analyze consumer insights market data and competitive intelligence to inform new product development and positioning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D Marketing Sales Finance Supply Chain and Global teams to ensure effective execution of innovation projects from ideation to commercialization.

Project Management: Lead the cross-functional team through stage gate process ensuring timelines budgets and key milestones are met.

Business Case Development: Prepare business cases for new innovations including volume forecasts financial analysis and resource needs.

Go-to-Market Strategy: Contribute to the development of strategic launch plans including marketing mix packaging communication and distribution strategies across channels.

Performance Tracking: Monitor and analyze the performance of new launches recommend adjustments and identify future opportunities for growth.

Trend Monitoring: Stay up to date on industry trends emerging technologies and consumer behaviors relevant to the category.

Qualifications and Competencies

Minimum degree and experience required:

- Bachelors degree or equivalent with 1-2 years of innovation marketing experience preferably with a CPG

Specific competencies required:

- Must be an independent and proactive contributor that can demonstrate strong leadership teamwork and strategic thinking skills

-Must be comfortable in fluid and ambiguous situations and working with various cross functionals across local and global teams.

-Experience in utilizing and analyzing Circana data is preferred

Location start date and duration of VIE

This position is based in Chicago IL (USA). VIE for 18 months starting from as early as May 2026.

Bel Brands is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age protected veteran status disability status or any other basis protected by applicable federal state or local laws. Bel Brands also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also Bel Brands policy to comply with all applicable federal state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

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