Job Description

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO LEAD OUR COMMERCIALIZATION PROCESS!

ABOUT US: Innovative Natural Solutions is a fast-growing supplement manufacturer and a leading North American grower and processor of elderberry and elderberry products, with a focus on immunity centric products. Our portfolio includes berries, extracts, syrups and a wide range of gummy’s. We manufacture product for a variety of customer brands as INS Nutra, and sell our own retail and DTC products under the Norm’s Farms brand.

Due to our growth and the volume of opportunities now in front of us, we are looking for someone to join our team as our Innovation Manager, leading day to day project management for our innovation across our co-manufacturing and retail channels.

JOB SUMMARY: INNOVATION MANAGER (PROJECT MANAGER)

The Innovation Manager is responsible for the execution of all new product and innovation projects, from concept to launch. This will encompass both internal innovation for our Norm’s Farms brand and the commercialization of co-manufacturing opportunities. He/She will accomplish this by the management of our new stage gate process, working cross functionally throughout the organization, and providing support to our sales team as they take the new items to market.

LOCATION: We are headquartered in southwest Missouri between Joplin and Springfield, in Purdy, MO., with our main production facility in Mt. Vernon, MO. The individual will split time between both locations, with the option to office in either, and also have the ability to work from home one day a week. Occasional travel required throughout the year, including trade shows.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Day to day project management for our new product and innovation projects, from idea to commercialization.
• Lead our weekly Stage Gate process and project progress reviews with leadership.
• Working cross functionally to bring our new products to market, with an emphasis on working with R&D, QA, Finance and Supply Chain.
• Work to ensure full team engagement and delivery of projects to planned product targets and timelines.
• Identify risks to project success and offer solutions to reduce or eliminate risks.
• Working with our co-manufacturing customers in guiding the development of their products within our company.
• Work with both our industrial sales team and our retail sales team to represent new items at industry trade shows.
• Other responsibilities as needed to accomplish the primary role

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years in a new product development, innovation, or technical to management level project management.
• Experience with project management processes and tools and how they are applied to new product development processes, from concept strategy to commercialization.
• Proficient in data and financial analysis.
• Able to work cross functionally and across various business partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Technology, or other Science based equivalent

PREFERRED:

• Working with Stage Gate or other new product project management processes
• Experience in an ingredient, food, or other consumer packaged goods company
• Using syndicated data, such as Nielsen, IRI, or SPINS
• Working within the natural foods channel
• Working in a start-up environment

TO SUCCEED YOU NEED TO HAVE:

• An entrepreneurial mindset, shown by being agile, a self-starter, dealing with multiple priorities in a small company environment
• A passion for bringing new items to market
• An ability to develop relationships quickly, both cross functionally and externally
• A curious mindset, with a drive to solve problems, not easily defeated when obstacles get in the way of success
• A positive, we can get things done, let’s work together, solve the challenge attitude
• Strong organizational skillset to adapt project demands with changing priorities
• Be quick to react to opportunities, while staying true to the company and brand promise

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel as needed

THE COMPANY: Innovative Natural Solutions was started in 2015 with the idea to bring natural based immunity products to market. We are the leading Elderberry farm to table company in the U.S.  The company has emerged in the last 3 years to become a leader for supplement supply chain management, branded ingredient supplier and top tier manufacturer all while keeping our core of Elderberry the focus.   

INS FARMS IS AN EOE, M|F|VET|DIS EMPLOYER