Innovation and Expansion Manager

WE DEVELOP INNOVATIVE BEVERAGE BRANDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRINKERS.

Born in Austin, TX. BeatBox Beverages is a collection of millennial founders and established industry veterans developing innovative beverage brands for the next generation of drinkers. BeatBox Beverages was founded on the belief that future generations will continue to demand products that authentically connect with their lifestyle. Our mission is to create cutting-edge beverage brands that speak to innovative individuals.

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.

BeatBox Beverages provides a fair and equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. BeatBox Beverages hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.