Innovation Intern

The Innovation Intern will support critical operational initiatives within the Innovation team, with a primary focus on palatability testing execution and science-backed claims sourcing. This role is designed for a highly organized, analytical, and proactive individual who is excited to work cross‑functionally with R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Brand Marketing, Project Management, Legal/Regulatory and external partners.

The intern will play a hands‑on role in scaling and streamlining innovation processes, owning defined projects with clear deliverables that directly support product development and go‑to‑market readiness. This is an excellent opportunity to gain real‑world experience in product innovation, testing operations, and claims strategy within a fast‑paced environment.

• Support the execution and analysis of palatability (PAL) studies in partnership with R&D, Operations, Brand Marketing and Project Management
• Manage end‑to‑end PAL study logistics, including sample tracking, participant communications, and follow‑through
• Drive participant engagement to ensure timely survey completion and high‑quality data
• Assist in the design, documentation, and scaling of the PAL process, identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency, and cost optimization
• Develop standardized communication templates and reporting outputs to support repeatable execution
• Track progress across multiple concurrent studies and flag risks or delays proactively

• Research and evaluate external claims houses to support science‑backed product claims
• Compare claims houses across capabilities, testing methodologies, timelines, pricing, and types of claims supported
• Build a structured comparison matrix to support internal decision‑making
• Synthesize findings into clear recommendations for preferred claims house partners
• Support Innovation and cross‑functional stakeholders in understanding trade‑offs and next steps
• Develop standardized communication templates and reporting outputs to support repeatable execution
• Track progress across multiple concurrent studies and flag risks or delays proactively

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple work streams simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with comfort drafting professional emails, surveys, and documentation
• Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize information into clear summaries, comparisons, and recommendations
• High attention to detail and follow‑through, especially when managing timelines, data, and external stakeholders
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and collaborate with R&D, Operations, Brand Marketing, and external partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Sheets/Excel, Docs/Word, Slides/PowerPoint)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (Junior or Senior standing preferred) or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant fields of study include (but are not limited to):
  • Business, Marketing, or Operations
  • Product Management or Innovation
  • Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related science discipline
  • Engineering or Analytics‑focused programs

• Interest in product innovation, consumer research, or new product development
• Experience with data analysis, survey tools, or dashboards
• Exposure to process improvement, automation, or operational scaling (coursework, internships, or projects)
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams or managing external vendors
• Comfort working in fast‑paced environments and taking ownership of defined deliverables
• Familiarity with consumer testing, sensory studies, or science‑backed claims (a plus, not required)

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

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