Associate Manager Innovation

Background & Purpose of the Job

Responsible for driving supplier operational results and proactively accelerating timelines in skin care innovations and renovations. Deliver measurable business impact through creative problem-solving, and strategic supplier management.
Fully understand the supplier relationship structure, including established linkages between Procurement Operations and internal/external customers.
Responsible for supporting R&D in packaging exploration, while keeping costs within target and supply continuity in mind
Manage the key procurement related IPT tasks for category innovations & renovations. 
Collaborate with R&D, Planning, Brand, Artwork, Quality, Global Category Procurement, and the external supply base.
Owns the coordination of flawless execution of material flow from supplier base to manufacturing, on time and in full, lead and solve material escalations as needed, drive alignment between R&D, planning, and the supplier in material escalations and alternate approvals.
Risk assess all new materials and provide voice and proposed action plans on all potential risks to supply continuity in the future on innovation. Closely liaises with other parts of procurement within North America and Globally.
Develops technical understanding of production of key pack and raw materials.

Who You Are & What You’ll Do

You’re a proactive leader: Accelerate timelines and drive end-to-end supplier readiness for innovation launches. Anticipate and resolve material challenges, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery even under pressure. Champion creative solutions and rapid escalations to protect business results.

You’re a change maker: Listen to your stakeholders needs and provide workable solutions in line with corporate objectives. Drive improvements in service and quality processes with both the supplier and plants.

You’re a culture & change champion: Build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners. Foster a culture of positive tension—balancing empathy with performance—to achieve ambitious goals.

You’re a dot connector: Orchestrate seamless alignment between R&D, Planning, Brand, Artwork, Quality, and suppliers. Lead cross-functional teams to solve complex problems, accelerate launches, and ensure flawless execution from concept to shelf.

You love to win, and have fun doing it: Deliver measurable business impact—securing NSV, advancing timelines, and driving market-leading innovations. Celebrate wins, share learnings, and continuously develop technical and industry expertise to stay ahead in the dynamic world of skin care procurement.
What You’ll Need To Succeed
• Business or Technical degree required with 2-3 years general business experience in any function (Logistics/Operations/Manufacturing/Supply Management/Planning)
• Ability to balance conflicting priorities to ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines
• Understanding of tactical and strategic business objectives
• Experience and working knowledge with Excel and Powerpoint
• Experience with Ariba, SAP and PLM preferred

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