Product Manager – Food Ingredients | U.S. Market Strategy & Commercial Leadershi
CNS Worldwide Executive Search, Naperville, IL, United States
CNS Worldwide is recruiting a Product Manager – North America on behalf of a European-based company specializing in innovative food ingredients. Renowned for its strong R&D capabilities and technical expertise, the company partners with leading global food manufacturers to deliver high-value ingredient solutions.
About the Role The Product Manager – North America will lead and define the company’s strategic direction in the U.S. market, shaping how the organization positions, develops, and commercializes its product portfolio across the region.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role with end-to-end ownership of market strategy, product positioning, and pricing. Acting as the voice of the North American market, the role connects commercial opportunities with internal capabilities, ensuring that innovation, supply chain, and go-to-market efforts are aligned with regional growth priorities. We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial thinker who can translate technical expertise into market-winning solutions and drive the company’s expansion and competitive positioning in the United States.
Responsibilities Market Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
Define and lead the U.S. market strategy for assigned product categories, setting clear priorities for growth and differentiation.
Own and evolve the North American product portfolio to align with customer needs, emerging trends, and business objectives.
Identify strategic gaps, innovation opportunities, and portfolio optimization initiatives to strengthen market leadership.
Analyze competitive landscape, pricing dynamics, and market developments to inform strategic decisions.
Pricing & Commercial Strategy
Lead the development and execution of value-based pricing strategies for the U.S. market.
Drive margin optimization initiatives and support commercial teams in price positioning and negotiations.
Provide strategic pricing guidance for new product launches and key customer opportunities.
Oversee the regional innovation and project pipeline from concept through commercialization.
Prioritize initiatives based on strategic relevance, feasibility, and commercial impact.
Partner with sales, distributors, and customers to accelerate project execution and market adoption.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as the primary strategic link between the U.S. market and European R&D and supply chain teams.
Influence resource allocation and development priorities to support North American growth ambitions.
Ensure alignment across functions to deliver successful and timely product launches.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in product management, market management, or technical-commercial roles within the food ingredients industry.
Strong expertise in ingredients such as emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, and vitamins, with applications in baking, dairy, meat, and plant-based products.
Deep understanding of the U.S. food market, customer expectations, and industry trends.
Required Skills Strong expertise in ingredients such as emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, and vitamins, with applications in baking, dairy, meat, and plant-based products.
Preferred Skills Deep understanding of the U.S. food market, customer expectations, and industry trends
Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.
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About the Role The Product Manager – North America will lead and define the company’s strategic direction in the U.S. market, shaping how the organization positions, develops, and commercializes its product portfolio across the region.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role with end-to-end ownership of market strategy, product positioning, and pricing. Acting as the voice of the North American market, the role connects commercial opportunities with internal capabilities, ensuring that innovation, supply chain, and go-to-market efforts are aligned with regional growth priorities. We are seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial thinker who can translate technical expertise into market-winning solutions and drive the company’s expansion and competitive positioning in the United States.
Responsibilities Market Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
Define and lead the U.S. market strategy for assigned product categories, setting clear priorities for growth and differentiation.
Own and evolve the North American product portfolio to align with customer needs, emerging trends, and business objectives.
Identify strategic gaps, innovation opportunities, and portfolio optimization initiatives to strengthen market leadership.
Analyze competitive landscape, pricing dynamics, and market developments to inform strategic decisions.
Pricing & Commercial Strategy
Lead the development and execution of value-based pricing strategies for the U.S. market.
Drive margin optimization initiatives and support commercial teams in price positioning and negotiations.
Provide strategic pricing guidance for new product launches and key customer opportunities.
Oversee the regional innovation and project pipeline from concept through commercialization.
Prioritize initiatives based on strategic relevance, feasibility, and commercial impact.
Partner with sales, distributors, and customers to accelerate project execution and market adoption.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as the primary strategic link between the U.S. market and European R&D and supply chain teams.
Influence resource allocation and development priorities to support North American growth ambitions.
Ensure alignment across functions to deliver successful and timely product launches.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in product management, market management, or technical-commercial roles within the food ingredients industry.
Strong expertise in ingredients such as emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, and vitamins, with applications in baking, dairy, meat, and plant-based products.
Deep understanding of the U.S. food market, customer expectations, and industry trends.
Required Skills Strong expertise in ingredients such as emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, and vitamins, with applications in baking, dairy, meat, and plant-based products.
Preferred Skills Deep understanding of the U.S. food market, customer expectations, and industry trends
Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.
#J-18808-Ljbffr