Innovation Manager

Job Summary: 

The Innovation Manager will play a critical role in supporting the operational effectiveness of the Innovation and R&D function at Ryze. Reporting directly to the VP of Innovation & R&D, this individual will be responsible for overseeing internal project timelines, resource planning, budget tracking, and cross-functional coordination. The role is designed to ensure that innovation initiatives are executed with discipline, speed, and transparency.

While strategic direction and ideation will be driven by the VP, Founders, and cross-functional leadership, the Innovation Manager will serve as the central point of execution, translating vision into action through rigorous program management, effective process implementation, and proactive stakeholder communication. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented operator who thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional environments and has a passion for building structure and scalability into high-growth teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Project & Timeline Management

• Lead day-to-day project management for innovation and R&D initiatives, ensuring clear ownership, timely execution, and accountability
• Maintain and continuously improve project trackers, Gantt charts, and milestone schedules
• Proactively identify risks, remove blockers, and facilitate alignment across functional teams
• Manage and track the innovation pipeline, including early-stage concept intake, prioritization, and stage-gate progression
• Ensure timely documentation and communication of project status and decisions to executive stakeholders
• Support resource and capacity planning across concurrent innovation workstreams
• Track departmental budgets related to prototyping, pilot runs, external partnerships, and innovation-related expenses
• Partner with the VP and cross-functional leads to optimize resource allocation across teams and projects
• Surface budget risks or inefficiencies in a timely and solution-oriented manner
• Act as a key liaison between Innovation, R&D, Product Development, Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations
• Coordinate agendas, action items, and documentation for recurring pipeline and governance meetings
• Build and maintain centralized tools for internal reporting, documentation, and knowledge sharing
• Develop and maintain internal systems, templates, and SOPs to support team efficiency and cross-functional clarity
• Assist in onboarding new tools or processes that improve project visibility and execution speed
• Support the creation of a high-performing, proactive, and scalable innovation operating model

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or related field
2. Minimum 5 years of experience in project/program management, innovation operations, or cross-functional coordination (preferably in CPG, food, wellness, or supplement industries)
3. Demonstrated success managing complex timelines, budgets, and cross-functional workflows in a high-growth or early-stage environment
4. Proficiency with project management tools such as Asana, Airtable, Smartsheet, or Monday.com
5. Exceptional organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills
6. Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and attention to detail

Preferred:

• Experience working with or supporting Innovation, Product Development, or R&D teams
• Familiarity with innovation governance, pipeline tracking, or stage-gate processes
• Interest in wellness, nutrition, functional foods, or adaptogens