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As the Innovation Manager for USA&C Ready-to-Drink (RTD), lead the development, execution, and launch of new RTD products that meet business growth ambitions and consumer needs. This role requires a strategic & creative thinker with strong new product development expertise, a deep understanding of consumer behavior, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals. Effective leadership, consumer insight, and a project management process will be crucial. This role will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brown-Forman’s RTD portfolio.
What You Can Expect
Strategic Planning & Financial Management: Crafting product innovation strategies, visions, and roadmaps that align with the overarching goals of the business. This includes developing a P&L forecast to evaluate the financial feasibility of new concepts.
Market Research & Ideation: Collaborate with consumer insights to leverage qualitative and quantitative research to uncover consumer insights and put them into action. They must conduct market analyses and competitive assessments to identify "white spaces" and translate these insights into viable business opportunities and new product pipelines.
Collaboration with Brand Management: Work with the Brand Management communication team to effectively execute the consumer brand strategy, leveraging new production development roles within the portfolio management structure.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Engaging and influence diverse, internal cross-functional teams—such as Research & Development, Supply Chain, Project Management & Production—to execute operational elements on time and with excellence.
Sales Integration & Go-to-Market Planning: Oversee product commercialization to build knowledge around new innovations in order to effectively & efficiently sell the RTD portfolio. Working hand-in-hand with the commercial team to ensure execution of new production based on channel and customer strategies.
Stakeholder Communication: Presenting innovation strategies to senior leaders to gain buy-in and secure necessary resources. They must continuously align teams to the product roadmap, influence cross-functional resources, and manage executive expectations regarding product timelines
Core Capabilities
New Product Development: Expertise in identifying market opportunities and leading the development of new products that meet consumer needs.
Portfolio Management: Experience in building brand strategy to maximize market coverage, minimize overlap, and enhance overall brand equity.
Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement long-term brand strategies.
Team Management and Mentorship: Ability to build and lead a team, providing guidance and support for professional development.
Leadership Skills: Influence, inspire, and motivate team members to achieve common goals. Manage agency partners to deliver on the scope of work and within the strategy.
Financial Planning and Management: Advanced budget management skills, P&L accountability, revenue management, and business performance forecast.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams across the organization, including sales, finance, operations, and R&D.
Innovation | New Product Development and Portfolio Management: Ability to identify market opportunities and lead the development of new products that meet consumer needs.
What You Bring To The Table
Bachelors Degree and 8+ years of marketing and/or brand-building success. Equivalent RTD marketing experience will be considered in lieu of a Degree.
Spirits/Beverage/CPG industry experience.
Experience in Team Management, Brand Management, Consumer Insights, Analytical Understanding, and New Product Development is required.
Ability and willingness to travel 30% of the time, including some weekends
Working Arrangement
In-office at the Brown-Forman Louisville, Kentucky Corporate Headquarters Monday to Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.
Who We Are
We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown-Forman. Being a part of Brown-Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.
What We Offer
Total Rewards at Brown-Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.#LI
Requisition Type:
EmployeeManagement Level:
LeaderGlobal Job Level:
L3Number of Openings Available:
1Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent RTD marketing experience
- 8+ years of marketing and/or brand-building experience
- Spirits, beverage, or CPG industry experience
- Experience in team management and mentorship
- Experience in brand management
- Experience with consumer insights and analytical understanding
- New product development (NPD) experience
- Financial planning, P&L accountability and budget management experience
- Ability and willingness to travel ~30%, including some weekends
What We Do
For more than 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Ready-to-Drinks, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, The Glendronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh, Slane, Herradura, el Jimador, New Mix, Korbel, Chambord, Fords Gin, Gin Mare, and Diplomático Rum. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by approximately 5,700 employees globally and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.
