Brand Manager, Marketing Innovation

The Brand Manager, Innovation is responsible for partnering cross functionally to lead the development and commercialization of new products and line extensions that drive incremental growth for the Dog & Cat BU portfolio of brands. This role leads innovation projects from concept through launch for the Marketing department, partnering cross‑functionally to translate consumer insights into compelling propositions and ensuring successful go‑to‑market execution.

Based out of our Neptune City, NJ facility, this position is onsite five days per week.

• Support the development and execution of the innovation roadmap aligned with brand and portfolio growth strategies.
• Identify whitespace opportunities through consumer insights, trend analysis, and competitive assessment.
• Contribute to prioritization of innovation initiatives based on consumer value, feasibility, and business impact.

• Translate qualitative and quantitative consumer insights into compelling product concepts and value propositions.
• Drive concept development, concept testing, and learning plan execution in partnership with Insights teams.
• Synthesize insights into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.

• Own day‑to‑day management of innovation projects, in partnership with the Project Management team, from idea through commercialization.
• Partner with R&D, Creative, Packaging, Supply Chain, Quality, Legal, and Finance to deliver products on time and within scope.
• Manage timelines, stage‑gate deliverables, and decision‑making documentation.

• Marketing lead for go‑to‑market planning including positioning, claims, packaging, pricing, channel strategy, and launch activation.
• Partner with Sales to support retailer sell‑in materials and customer presentations.
• Oversee development of launch assets in collaboration with Creative, Media, Digital, and Shopper teams.

• Track launch performance including trial, repeat, velocity, distribution, and financial results.
• Conduct post‑launch reviews to identify learnings and optimization opportunities.
• Apply insights to refine future innovation efforts.

• Serve as the central point of coordination across internal teams and agency partners for innovation initiatives.
• Ensure brand standards and strategic intent are consistently reflected across all innovation touchpoints.

• 3+ years of experience in brand management, innovation marketing, or product marketing within CPG.
• Hands‑on experience supporting or leading NPD and product launches.
• Strong analytical and consumer insight skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross‑functional projects.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

• Experience in food, petcare, wellness, or adjacent consumer categories.
• MBA or advanced degree.
• Familiarity with stage‑gate innovation processes and consumer research methodologies.
• Experience working with syndicated data (e.g., Circana, Nielsen).

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Free Life and Disability Insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401 (k) with a 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to thousands of free online courses.
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications).
• Referral Program with a cash bonus.
• Access to on‑demand pay.
• Paid parental leave.

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company’s purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom…