What’s Our Dish

Announced in May 2018, Peapod Digital Labs (PDL) is an Ahold Delhaize USA company that powers the eCommerce and digital strategies for the Great Local Brands of Ahold Delhaize USA. Accelerating growth in digital and personalization capabilities, PDL is an innovation lab focused on meeting the changing needs of customers, regardless of when, where, and how consumers choose to shop.

Private Brands Innovation Manager  

This posting encompasses the following open roles:  

• Manager III – Innovation, Fresh   

• Manager III – Innovation, Edible Grocery  

• Manager III– Innovation, Dairy/Frozen/GM/Pet/Baby 

• Manager III – Non-Edible Grocery / DSD  

Browse The Aisles  

This role is responsible for driving new product development in lock step with Private Brand Category Managers. This role will ensure that only products that fall within the category priorities and Private Brand strategy are being actioned on and ensure that we are making time and financial investment in growth areas. This role will be a key leader in the category vertical in ensuring we are focusing on trend areas for new item development, and that the brand management area is aligned to the approach and business case. This position will work to ensure that product specifications/formulations and ingredients are appropriate and works to simplify across category areas. This role requires strong project management, product specification, and innovation experience to keep the desires of our customers at front of mind.  

Recipe for Success - What's “in store” for the role  

• Works with Private Brand Category Development Managers to implement the category development strategies to strengthen suppliers, quality and innovation for Private Brand’s products in line with required timelines. 

• Identifies and implements product portfolio opportunities through innovation and competitor analysis in assigned key categories. 

• Responsible for understanding Industry and consumer trends and delivering new and innovative products that meet our customer needs within assigned categories. Staying informed on consumer macro and micro health trends that are impacting the grocery industry. 

• Identifies category product development priorities and timetables consistent with the priorities and needs of Private Brands and assesses and manages the balance between work load and available time. 

• Exudes a high degree of credibility and the ability to work with and through all levels of management (including Brand Category Management leadership) 

• Continually seeks opportunities, in conjunction with suppliers, Private Brand Category and Brand Managers and GLB Category Managers, to drive renovation, reduce overall costs and improve quality of product (as appropriate) in assigned categories. 

• Identifies and collaborates with functional ingredient suppliers and manufacturers to bring innovative ingredients to aid renovation efforts and improve Private Brand products. Works with Culinary Center team as relevant. 

• Identifies, recommends and executes product formulation improvements working in partnership with suppliers. 

The Essentials In Your Cart - The required ingredients  

• Bachelor’ Degree or related level of experience in Food Science, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Culinology, Nutrition 

• Strong influencing and partnership abilities 

• 7 years of experience in new product development  

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and the ability to use reporting tools to drive to insights from data provided 

• Knowledge of sensory testing and guidance and consumer product testing 

• Success in product innovation and new product development and commercialization 

• Expertise in consumer food/non-food trends and the ability to identify and define key product quality and sensory attributes 

Extra Spices - What you should bring to the table  

• Ability to critically evaluate multiple aspects of consumer products 

• Creativity, culinary aptitude and a passion for working with food 

• Influence/communicate cross functionally 

• Customer focus Initiative 

• Ability to critically evaluate multiple aspects of consumer products 

• Ability to analize, interpret and take appropriate action on information. 

• Ability to adapt and drive change 

• Ability to inspire others 

Join Us at Our Table

Peapod Digital Labs is a forward-thinking company with a strong legacy of innovation. We recognize who powers our progress – our people! We offer a great variety of benefits and perks to our employees, including: great health care options, including PPO and HSA plans (with company contributions), dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, a 401k with strong company match and immediate vesting, and generous and flexible paid time off.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.