Innovation and Expansion Manager

Job Description

Title: Innovation and Expansion Manager 

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Department: Operations

Reports to: Director of Product Development and QA

Salary: $80,000-100,000 + bonus

Date: 11/2024

Job Summary:

The  Innovation and Expansion Manager is a highly collaborative role dedicated to supporting the innovation team in bringing new products and concepts to market with a focus on strategic and operational efficiency. This role will be a pivotal resource across multiple projects, assisting team members with essential tasks to advance new product development and go-to-market strategies. Key responsibilities include building and optimizing innovation processes, supporting liquid development for international expansion, and collaborating with the Director of Innovation to implement a product diversification strategy that expands offerings beyond the core product line. The Innovation and Expansion Manager will leverage project management and organizational skills to streamline processes and enhance cross-departmental collaboration. This is a remote role with up to 25% travel (international and domestic).

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on, flexible support across product development, packaging innovation, and optimization, assisting with project timelines, key deliverables, and troubleshooting to ensure seamless product launches.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage innovation projects, ensuring timely launches while streamlining processes to enhance overall efficiency and meet quality, regulatory, and feasibility standards.
• Support the Director of Innovation in creating and implementing a strategy to expand product offerings beyond the core product line.
• Assist in developing prototypes, pilot runs, and sampling processes to support team initiatives and ensure product quality and feasibility align with innovation goals.
• Drive continuous improvement and enhance workflows by collaborating with team members to incorporate feedback, reduce bottlenecks, and optimize resources. Refine targeted strategies such as Limited-Time Offerings (LTOs) and partnerships to strengthen innovation systems.
• Lead liquid development for international expansion projects, collaborating with internal teams to ensure products align with regional preferences, compliance standards, and market requirements.
• Assist in developing and refining an industry-leading innovation strategy, establishing a structured and repeatable process for new product development, including business case creation, resources, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and streamlined workflows, to position BeatBox as a leader in innovation excellence.
• Coordinate with external partners to enhance innovation processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and company standards.
• Monitor and address quality or compliance issues with the innovation process, providing scientific and technical support for continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members and new hires involved in innovation projects, sharing knowledge to build team capabilities and foster a collaborative environment.
• Travel to co-packers and suppliers to oversee project implementation and ensure successful product launches.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Experience in the food and beverage industry, with knowledge of product development.
• Proven project management skills, with a detail-oriented approach to handling multiple projects, deadlines, and comprehensive records of timelines and milestones.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills to work effectively with all departments, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly grasp scientific concepts and apply them to create innovative solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana) is a plus.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and standards for food safety, quality, and alcohol compliance (including TTB).
• Strong communication skills to convey project updates, technical details, and strategic insights across departments and with external partners.
• Adaptability to be a flexible resource across the innovation team, supporting tasks from early-stage conception to final launch.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to making a meaningful impact through continuous improvement initiatives and driving innovation excellence.
• Willingness to travel to co-packers and suppliers as needed to oversee project implementation and support successful product launches.

Education/Experience:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related discipline, is preferred, though not mandatory.
• Innovation and Product Development Expertise: A minimum of 5 years of experience in innovation and product development in the food and beverage industry is required. Experience in cross-functional project management from conception to launch is highly desirable.
• International Market Experience: Familiarity with global product development in international markets is a plus.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of industry regulations and standards, including TTB, FDA, and GMP, focusing on compliance in product innovation is required.
• Continuous Improvement and Strategy Development: Proven experience implementing process improvements and developing innovation strategies that align with business goals is desirable.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control Experience: A strong background in QA/QC, including hands-on experience, is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds.