Agile Innovation Manager

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Duration: 12+ Months

Must Haves: Food industry experience (non-negotiable) - NOT DIGITAL, physical product commercialization. Physical Product Development focused innovation project management background. Experience in supply chain development, factory engineering, or packaging related innovation delivery. Physical Product Commercialization process knowledge Understand packaging changes, formula changes, feasibility constraints, machinery timelines. Agile project management experience (emphasis)2-3+ years of experience leading agile ceremonies and managing projects through sprint-based delivery models. Comfortable facilitating sprint events and creating review materials. Self-driven, proactive working style Able to identify stakeholders, processes, and solutions independently. Strong communication & relationship building skills Must navigate between technical and non-technical teams, translating needs in both directions.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related.

MUST HAVE: 5+ years of project management, agile leadership, or scrum master experience within the Food & Beverage industry.

MUST HAVE: experience with physical product innovation in Food & Beverage with packaging projects, aligned with operations & manufacturing side: engineering, changing of machines, alignment with supply chain, etc. Strong knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies or proven experience in product development and commercialization Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment. Strong experience in building timelines for projects with uncertainty, that demands a lot of changes multiple times throughout the project. Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills. Experience supporting test-and-learn innovation cycles or commercialization processes. Passion for team empowerment, iterative learning, and removing barriers to execution. Open to work flexible hours since part of the team is located in AMS – start 7am Chicago time when needed.