Company Overview
Headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and operated by the Wells family for generations, the company is now an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, a global leader in sweet packaged foods.
With a portfolio of over 900 ice cream and frozen novelty treats, Wells is the proud producer of Blue Bunny® ice cream, frozen novelties, and specialty frozen desserts, as well as the iconic Bomb Pop® brand. The company’s significant impact on the industry led to Le Mars, Iowa, being officially recognized as the Ice Cream Capital of the World® by the Iowa legislature.
Key Responsibilities
- Innovation Strategy: Collaborate with brand and channel leaders to define the role of innovation in driving long-term growth.
- Consumer Insights: Leverage both qualitative and quantitative research methods to uncover actionable consumer insights that inform product development.
- Empathy & Consumer Understanding: Develop a deep understanding of consumer behaviors, challenges, and motivations to create meaningful product experiences.
- Creativity & Design: Lead ideation sessions, develop product concepts, and work with design agencies to create compelling packaging structures and designs.
- Product Development: Partner with R&D, procurement, and operations to develop differentiated products that are both innovative and efficiently manufacturable.
- Strategic Communication: Provide analytical rigor and clear recommendations to guide decision-making and prioritize key initiatives.
- Marketing Collaboration: Work closely with brand teams to develop packaging creatives, sales materials, and consumer communication strategies.
- Sales Partnership: Support buyer meetings and contribute to the development of channel-specific innovation opportunities.
- Project & Team Leadership: Define clear strategies, project scopes, and business cases while leading cross-functional teams to successfully execute winning innovations.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Marketing or Sales); MBA preferred.
- 5-7 years of brand management experience, including a strong background in innovation, or a combination of MBA and relevant experience.
- 5+ years of experience developing and commercializing new products.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including expertise in concept writing.
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive key decisions.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of building teams, fostering a positive culture, and promoting experimentation.
- Ability to thrive in ambiguity, applying strategic thinking to undefined challenges and opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to extract insights that lead to breakthrough ideas and successful product launches.
- Proficiency in critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, relationship management, and analytical skills.