Manager - Brand Innovation (Marketing)

Who We Are

At Freshpet, our goal is to change the way people nourish their pets forever. We strive to strengthen the bond between people and our pets so that we both live longer, healthier, and happier lives while being kind to the planet. We believe that if we can create fresh, real foods that pets love and help them live healthier lives, that their pet parents will also enjoy the many benefits of a rich life shared with a pet. IT'S AMAZING WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN YOU START COMPLETELY FRESH!

Innovation isnt just something we do at Freshpet-its one of the reasons were different. Its how we built this company, how weve stayed ahead, and how well continue to lead. Twenty years ago, we challenged an industry that believed pet food couldnt be different. Today, we continue to grow because we never stop looking for better ways to serve pets and pet parents. Behind every product we launch, every improvement we make, every manufacturing advancement, and every new idea is an incredibly talented R&D and Innovation organization. Great innovation doesnt happen by accident. It comes from curious people who ask better questions, challenge conventional thinking, and work together to turn ideas into products that make a real difference.

What You Will Do

• Innovation Strategy Support: Identify whitespace opportunities through consumer insights, category trends, competitive intelligence and emerging technologies. Develop and execute innovation pipeline aligned with long-term business and brand growth objectives.
• Product Development: Develop product positioning, value propositions, naming, claims, packaging direction, and go-to-market strategies. Ensure projects meet quality, cost, timing, and margin objectives. Work with the brand marketing team to transition launch for commercialization.
• Consumer & Market Insights: Translate consumer needs, cultural trends and shopper behavior into actionable innovation opportunities. Partner with Consumer Insights to design and interpret qualitative and quantitative research to support Innovation strategy.
• Cross-Functional Leader: Lead communication and coordinate working efforts with cross-functional team members on key initiatives with ability to influence without direct authority.
• Project Leadership: Oversee key project phases, including initiation, planning and execution, within Stage Gate process for multiple projects. Provide monthly updates to the executive leadership on key initiatives.

How You Will Make an Impact

We are seeking a strategic, consumer-obsessed Innovation Brand Manager to lead the strategic background and development of breakthrough products within our FreshPet portfolio. This role combines consumer insight, brand strategy, product innovation, and cross-functional leadership to identify growth opportunities, develop winning concepts, and bring new products from idea to market.

The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist and executor-comfortable analyzing consumer trends, building compelling business cases, and leading complex cross-functional teams through commercialization. This person thrives in a fast-paced environment where ambiguity is embraced and innovation is a competitive advantage.

What You Will Bring

• MBA preferred with 2-4 years of experience in a similar or related role, ideally experience working in CPG Food or Pet Brand Marketing.
• BS/BA with 5 years of experience in a similar or related role.
• Passion for pets and belief they deserve the best food on the planet.
• Must be able to commute to Bedminster, NJ, with the ability to work in-office three days a week. 10% of the ability to travel if needed.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams; preferably with manufacturing, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Experience commercializing new products from concept to market, repeatedly
• Experience working with formulation, packaging, and regulatory requirements is highly valuable
• Experience managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment with the ability to shift priorities quickly in line with business objectives
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and demonstrated success driving to results through ambiguity.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, true self-starter that can hit the ground running.

What We Offer

The range for this position is: $170,000 - $190,000

At Freshpet, we offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, basic and optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, a generous PTO plan and so much more!

Our Commitment to a Diverse Workforce:

Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are made without regards to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status (although applicants and employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States), uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law ("protected characteristics").

Disclaimers

The salary range provided above is the range of the wages that we will pay for the listed position. A final determination on the wages within this range is based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to the required work location, previous work experience, skill set, and wage rates for comparable positions.

Freshpet is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Freshpet via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Freshpet. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Freshpet as a result of the referral or through other means.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.