At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission is to help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.
The company has headquarters in Chicago and New York City and operates 4 manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI; Brookings, SD; Traverse City, MI; and Nampa, ID.
Location & Job Type
Location: Chicago
Job type: Unlimited Contract
Reporting to: Group Platform Manager
Overall Mission
As part of the BABYBEL Global Innovation Team, you will play a key role in supporting the brand on its journey to champion healthy snacking by executing strategic innovations and renovations to drive volume, turnover & margin growth. You will lead innovation and renovation projects from exploration to launch, reporting to the Innovation Group Platform Manager, who retains final responsibility for the innovation and renovation strategy. Your role will focus on operational leadership and project delivery, in close collaboration with countries, R&D and Strategic Insight teams, and factories. This is a hybrid role (2-3 days per week in office), based in Chicago.
Job Scope / Core Deliverables
Market Dynamics
• Understand consumer and customer needs and categories in key markets
• Understand business challenges & opportunities of the key countries you will work with
• Benchmark products against key competitors and inspiring brands
• Recommend new business opportunities based on strong insights
Support and Execute the Innovation & Renovation Strategy in Retail and OOH
• Contribute to the Group's 5Y Innovation Pipeline in line with the Brand Architecture and Brand Strategy, including breakthrough concepts, quick-wins, and roll-outs, to deliver profitable growth
• Lead the Out of Home Babybel project in line with the strategy together with the OOH global team, in line with Group and Brand ambition
• Drive global Innovation and Renovation projects from identification of need states and occasions to execution, including business case management (size of prize, competition, etc.) and launch plan in strong collaboration with R&D, Strategic Insights, the Global Babybel Equity team, and Local Marketing teams
• Drive renovations for product superiority & CSR: lead renovation initiatives to deliver product superiority and achieve CSR ambitions, working in partnership with R&D
• Ensure COGS & profitability targets are met, optimize sourcing, and lead platform extensions and productivity programs
Management & Coordination
• Build and maintain strong transversal relationships with Local Marketing Brand Managers and key partner functions, including Industrial, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment
• Support prioritization of the innovation pipeline for topline growth, lead development of key innovation projects, and collaborate closely with R&D, Strategic Insights and Local Markets to ensure successful execution
• Ensure a close and constructive partnership with countries, with a focus on NORAM and ASIA, to align the innovation strategy and prepare innovation launches
Key Performance Indicators & Impact
• Contribute to the platform's profit & loss and market share performance
• Track and deliver on innovation rate and time-to-market metrics for new launches and renovations
Profile and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in business or marketing required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 4+ years of brand marketing experience, CPG industry experience preferred
• Leadership, business, and marketing skills: knowledge of product value drivers, strong sustainability drive, data processing (Nielsen/IRI preferred), P&L management, trade constraints, project management (Agile methods), and innovation pipeline management
• Fluent in English; French is a plus
What We Offer
• Base Salary: $125,000 - $130,000
• Bonus Opportunity: 20%
• 401k, Medical, Dental, Vision from Day One
• PTO days and more
• Hybrid work schedule in Chicago
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.
More info: Chicago, IL | Contact: 312-462-1500 for accommodation requests
