Title of Role: Product and Innovation Manager
Department: Product Experience
East West Tea is seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Product and Innovation Manager to join our Product Experience team!
The Product and Innovation Manager plays a key role in driving brand growth through product innovation, portfolio management and commercialization. Working closely with cross-functional teams, contributing to revenue and profitable growth by leading product development initiatives from concept to launch, optimizing the existing portfolio, managing product packaging projects, and identifying new opportunities based on consumer insights, market trends, and business performance.
WHO WE ARE:
We are the well-being company that exists to inspire and enhance everyday life through trust and good will. Our guiding principles, beliefs, and philosophies shape our identity. They are the essence of our culture and define how we do what we do.
We are Intentional – we chose to lead with positive intent. Mindful – we are present and aware of how we show up in the world. People – we value and respect all people and communities. Authentic – we are real and transparent with everything we do. Committed – we are committed to quality products while sustaining our planet. Trust – we consistently align our words with our actions.
OUR INVESTMENT IN YOU:
- We have exceptional wellbeing-focused benefits including health, dental, vision and alternative care, life and disability insurance, retirement, paid time off, company picnics, social activities, and a surprise every so often! Who doesn’t love a surprise?
- We prioritize sustainability as a business by embedding it into our values, our strategic priorities, our decision-making, and our resource allocations.
- We commit to our purpose in every aspect of our culture.
- We have employees that are committed to “Doing Good” in our community and around the world.
- We are a growing company with products that customers love.
- We believe in investing in you and your growth and development.
WHAT YOU’LL OWN:
Operation 50% of time
- Lead North America product innovation and commercialization projects, ensuring successful execution from concept through launch
- Manage product packaging development and updates, coordinating cross-functional teams, internal and external agencies
- Analyze business performance, syndicated data, consumer insights, and market trends to identify growth and optimization opportunities and inform decisions
- Support executive presentations, sales meetings, and Stage Gate processes
Strategic Brand Management 30% of time
- Drive portfolio optimization and a robust 5-year innovation pipeline
- Lead new product concept development, collaborating with R&D, Sourcing, Operations, and Sales on formulation, feasibility, and commercialization
- Leverage consumer insights, competitive intelligence, and financial analysis to drive profitable growth and strengthen brand positioning
Relationships 20% of time
- Build trusted relationships across regional and global teams, ensuring alignment and effective communication
- Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and creative problem-solving to challenge the status quo
WHAT YOU KNOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED:
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; masters degree preferred
- 5 years of relevant work experience, preferable in CPG
- Experience in product innovation, portfolio management and commercialization
- Experience managing complex projects and leading cross functional initiatives
YOU’LL BE A GREAT FIT:
- Strong critical thinking ability to navigate and solve complex problems
- Solid work ethic, self-starter, and result-oriented
- Natural ability to develop strong, trusting relationships
- Enjoys collaborating with cross-functional partners
- Responsible and a high degree of ownership
- Thrives in an ever-changing work environment
- Effectively managing a multitude of work responsibilities
- Balances attention to detail and swift execution
WHAT WE DO:
We manufacture Yogi and Choice Organics brand products. Yogi has over 40 tea blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals sourced from 100% non-GMO growers around the globe. These herbal, green, and black teas are formulated for delicious taste and healthful benefits. Choice Organics offers a collection of organic traditional tea, herbal tea, and unique, flavorful organic tea blends. Choice teas are sourced exclusively from 100% organic and non-GMO growers around the world and are beautifully balanced to perfection for a full-flavored taste experience.
East West Tea Company is an equal opportunity employer. We value and respect each person's individuality and unique talents. We honor diversity and inclusion. The strength of our people and our guiding principles contribute to East West Tea's leadership and continued success in the natural tea category.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
- Master's degree
- Five years of relevant work experience, preferably in consumer packaged goods
- Experience in product innovation, portfolio management, and commercialization
- Experience managing complex projects and leading cross-functional initiatives
What We Do
East West Tea Company is the parent company of Yogi Tea and Choice Organic Teas, producing purposeful teas with a focus on quality, sustainability and social responsibility. Based in Eugene, Oregon, it sources ingredients selectively, applies rigorous quality testing and works to minimize its environmental footprint. The company blends, packages and ships its brands’ tea products, with the aim of making products that are good for people and the planet.
