Innovation manager (experience in confectionery industry, cpg or fmcg) mexico scopejoin to apply for the innovation manager (experience in confectionery industry, cpg or fmcg) mexico scope role at the hershey company.position title: mexico innovation managerdepartment / function: marketinglocation: guadalajara, jalisco (hybrid)advanced english requiredsummary: to identify, design, and deliver innovation strategies that unlock future growth for the business.
the senior innovation manager leverages consumer, shopper, and market insights to shape the innovation pipeline, working cross-functional to translate unmet needs and category opportunities into breakthrough products, services, and business models that strengthen brand relevance and drive long-term competitiveness.25% innovation strategy & pipeline building20% consumer & market insight translation30% cross-functional leadership & execution15% commercialization & launch impact10% external & future focusinnovation strategy & pipelinedefine and manage the long-term innovation strategy in line with brand, category, and business priorities.build a robust pipeline of short-, mid-, and long-term innovation projects to fuel sustainable growth.identify white spaces, future growth platforms, and disruption opportunities beyond current product lines.consumer-centric growthtranslate consumer, shopper, and cultural insights into innovation opportunities.ensure all innovation is rooted in real human needs and market trends.anticipate future behaviors, lifestyles, and sustainability demands to future-prove the portfolio.portfolio & category developmentshape innovation platforms that expand the brand's reach into new segments, channels, or categories.balance incremental innovation (line extensions, reformulations) with breakthrough, transformational ideas.partner with category and commercial teams to ensure innovations contribute to long-term category leadership.cross-functional leadershiplead collaboration with r&d, supply chain, finance, sales, and marketing to bring innovations from concept to market.own the stage-gate / innovation funnel process, ensuring rigor, speed, and scalability.act as the connector between creativity (ideas) and execution (feasibility, profitability, and speed-to-market).
commercial impactbuild business cases for innovations, aligning with p&l, pricing, and channel strategies.partner with finance and sales to size opportunities and ensure strong launch roi.drive post-launch evaluation and learning to continuously improve the innovation process.external & future focusmonitor competitor and category innovation activity, technology trends, and startup ecosystems.build partnerships with external agencies, startups, suppliers, and research partners to access new ideas and capabilities.champion sustainability, digital, and future-forward consumer trends within the innovation agenda.key skills & competenciesstrategic vision: ability to link long-term brand and business growth to innovation platforms.consumer-centric mindset: passion for uncovering insights and translating them into opportunities.creativity & curiosity: ability to challenge norms, think disruptively, and explore new business models.commercial acumen: strong p&l, financial, and business case development skills.influence & leadership: skilled at leading cross-functional and global/local teams in a matrix organization.agility & execution: able to balance big-picture thinking with hands-on project delivery.education: bachelorexperience: +7-10 yearsseniority level: mid-senior levelemployment type: full-timejob function: product management and marketingindustry: manufacturing#j-*-ljbffr