Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food
Innovation Optimization Manager
Location
Illinois
Posted
7 days ago
Salary
$90K - $130K / year
Seniority
Senior
Job Description
Innovation Optimization Manager
Tate & Lyle
• Support the Director of Innovation Optimization by building and maintaining the tools, analyses and knowledge assets that underpin innovation prioritization, governance and value delivery • Turn data into decision-ready insight, standardize ways of working across regions/platforms • Ensure key learnings, benchmarks and playbooks are captured and reusable • Develop, maintain and improve core innovation optimisation tools (e.g., templates, scorecards, prioritisation models, dashboards) • Translate the Director’s governance principles into clear workflows, guidance and training materials; support adoption across regions and platforms • Prepare materials for innovation forums, capture decisions, and ensure updates are reflected in the relevant systems and reporting • Run recurring and ad-hoc analysis to support prioritisation, resource allocation and de-prioritisation decisions (e.g., value pools, sensitivity scenarios, capacity vs. demand, milestone risk) • Partner with FP&A and Analytics to compile inputs for ROI views (e.g., investment, benefits, probabilities, timing) and to surface risks/assumptions in a transparent way • Support creation and maintenance of the “one source of truth” datasets and visualisations (e.g., cube/game boards), ensuring version control and clear audit trails • Prepare decision-ready synthesis for stakeholders: concise summaries, recommended options, and implications for portfolio shape and strategic objectives • Build and maintain the innovation optimisation knowledge base (e.g., playbooks, FAQs, benchmarks, best practices, post-launch learnings, decision logs) • Standardise and curate reusable assets (templates, examples, coaching materials) to reduce rework and improve quality of submissions into the pipeline funnel.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Business, Engineering, Data/Analytics, Life Sciences or related field
- Experience in analytics, commercial insights, portfolio/programme management, innovation excellence, or a similar role in an Ingredient or FMCG environment (or agency/consulting equivalent)
- Demonstrated ability to build practical tools and standardised ways of working that improve decision making and execution (templates, scorecards, dashboards, governance packs)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability; able to structure ambiguous questions and synthesise data into clear, stakeholder-ready recommendations
- Working knowledge of innovation/NPD processes and commercial fundamentals (value pools, P&L drivers, basic financial modelling)
- High attention to detail, strong version control and documentation discipline; comfortable owning data definitions and audit trails
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; able to influence without authority in a matrixed organisation
- Proactive, self-starting and collaborative; thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities
- Preferred: Proficiency with data and reporting tools (e.g., Excel/PowerQuery, Power BI or similar), and experience working with structured datasets and dashboarding standards.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision coverages
- Paid time off package, including vacation, sick time, and 16 weeks of paid parental leave
- 401K with company match
- Company paid life insurance
- Additional benefits at no cost to employee such as: Lifestyle Spending Account, Identity Theft protection, Employee Assistance Program, telemedicine and more!
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