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Job Details:

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Innovation Manager to lead the development and commercialization of new food products across the foodservice and retail sectors. This role manages the end-to-end innovation process—from consumer insight to launch—by partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver on business objectives with speed, rigor, and creativity.

This is an onsite role in Springdale, Arkansas and is not eligible for remote work.

Relocation assistance is available for this position per Tyson’s relocation policies. Preference will be given to local candidates.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Development

• Drive innovation strategy aligned with long-range and annual planning goals.
• Leverage consumer insights, market trends, and competitive intelligence to identify white space opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build, prioritize, and manage a robust product pipeline.

Project & Process Management

• Lead projects through a formal stage-gate process from concept to commercialization. Develop and maintain detailed project plans utilizing project management tools including MS Project and specification management systems.
• Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings to maintain progress, resolve issues, and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Track and report key performance indicators to leadership.

Product Development & Commercialization

• Oversee prototype development, validation testing, and pilot production to ensure operational viability and consumer relevance.
• Manage financial aspects of innovation projects, including forecasting, costing, pricing, and alignment with revenue targets.
• Ensure operational readiness and supply chain feasibility for product launches.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for innovation initiatives across R&D, Culinary, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Regulatory, Operations, and Business Unit teams.
• Ensure alignment across internal stakeholders and external partners through clear, consistent communication.
• Provide project management support and training as needed to reinforce best practices across the organization.

Consumer, Market, & Trend Insights

• Conduct research in partnership with Insights and Analytics teams to understand evolving consumer, operator, and competitive landscapes.
• Monitor and apply relevant culinary, category, and channel trends to innovation opportunities.

Marketing, Branding & Artwork

• Collaborate with Marketing, Communications, Regulatory, and Nutrition to craft compelling product stories and claims.
• Manage packaging and artwork approval processes, programs, using internal systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Business, Marketing, Innovation, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years in Product Innovation, Product Development, or Marketing, with proven success in leveraging consumer insights to drive business results.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong presentation abilities.
• Robust analytical skills and financial acumen.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Effective collaborator with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on consumer needs and market trends.

Travel:

Anticipated travel is 10-15% per year for domestic trips.

Sponsorship is not available for this role

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Work Shift:

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

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