Associate Marketing Manager, Innovations

Role overview

The Associate Marketing Manager, Innovations will drive the innovation agenda for Hershey Canada’s brand portfolio in Mississauga, Ontario. This position is focused on finding and converting growth opportunities through consumer-led innovation, moving ideas from insight through commercialization. The role calls for a mix of creative problem-solving, commercial thinking, and project leadership to help build a strong pipeline of innovations that can deliver immediate results and strengthen long-term brand value.

The selected candidate will guide important innovation initiatives using consumer understanding, market signals, and competitive intelligence to shape fresh concepts and new product directions. They will also support cross-functional teams through each stage of the process, including ideation, business case building, launch preparation, and post-launch performance review, while keeping work aligned with strategic goals and practical execution needs.

About Hershey Canada

Hershey Canada describes its culture as one that balances independence with support, giving employees room to take ownership while providing coaching, learning resources, and cross-functional exposure to support development. The organization emphasizes leadership, initiative, and meaningful impact in day-to-day work.

Some of the major Canadian brands in the portfolio include OH HENRY!, HERSHEY’S KISSES, BROOKSIDE, POT OF GOLD, JOLLY RANCHER, REESE’S, TWIZZLERS, HERSHEY’S, SKOR, CHIPITS, and ICEBREAKERS. The company also notes recognition as a top employer in Canada and a strong workplace destination.

Responsibilities

• Build a strong understanding of consumer behavior, market trends, and the competitive environment, then translate those insights into action.
• Partner effectively with teams across the business to move innovation work forward.
• Lead research activities such as concept testing and CLT studies.
• Own and progress projects through the Gate process.
• Serve as the governance process owner for innovation work.
• Prepare innovation reporting and communicate progress clearly.
• Develop launch strategies and execution plans for new initiatives.
• Help strengthen Hershey Canada’s innovation capability through thought leadership and training.
• Work closely with internal and international teams, as well as management, to ensure strong alignment.

Requirements

• Solid marketing foundation gained in a leading consumer packaged goods environment; direct innovation experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Hands-on experience with Nielsen, project management tools, and Power BI.
• Ability to generate original ideas, approaches, and strategies with creative thinking.
• High energy, curiosity, resilience, and a proactive attitude.
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on results and practical solutions.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional partners such as Sales, Category Development, Finance, Operations, Research and Development, and Consumer Insights and Research.
• B.Comm. with a Marketing major is preferred.
• 2 to 3+ years of experience in consumer-packaged goods, with brand marketing considered essential.
• Exposure to marketing fundamentals such as brand reviews, brand planning, integrated marketing communications, and formula/packaging development.
• Experience with end-to-end innovation, from insight to concept to commercialization and in-market launch, is preferred.

Benefits and perks

• Access to Hershey’s chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Additional employee benefits as part of the overall package.
• Corporate social responsibility programs.
• Reward and recognition programs.
• Flexible work environment.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package supporting physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Compensation

The expected base salary for this role is CAD 74,000 to CAD 92,500 per year. Final pay will depend on factors such as experience, skills, education, and training. The compensation package also includes market-competitive incentives and benefits, where applicable.

Additional information

Hershey Canada highlights its community commitment and long-standing focus on making a positive difference where it operates. The company’s culture is described as people-focused, supportive, and growth-oriented, with opportunities for learning, coaching, and cross-functional projects.