Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, ambitious and tenacious Innovation and Product Manager to lead the successful delivery of projects to enhance and create Ocean Spray food and beverage products.


Directly accountable for the leading and delivering innovation & renovation projects, from proposition to on-shelf. Responsible for the overall gate process, and projects commercialization for the European region, in close collaboration with the technical cross functional teams in UK, Europe and USA.


Working within the Marketing team to deliver initiatives for the long-term growth ambition. The position reports to the EMEA Senior Marketing Manager, with regular travel within the UK & EU-Based teams and partners. Ad hoc Travelling expected up to 20% of time.

:

Commercialization

for European Product Innovation/ Renovation Projects, to support Project Leaders on project and timeline management, gate decision, risk and mitigation identification, through to Gate Process.

+

Track projects progress

through regular meetings with external and internal partners; ensuring projects are kept on timeline and all team members adequately informed of next steps and requirements for Decision stage gate.
+ Alert team and Leadership about the risks and mitigation action to ensure project delivered on-time.

Product & Project lead for UK /pan-European initiatives/ project

(~5 projects/year).

+ Responsible for 4/5 projects from proposition to on-shelf
+ Turning proposition into final products, including product formulation, packaging, design
+ Accountable for the P&L and the project financial viability, working with Commercial inputs
+ Recommending launch communication strategy.
+ Supported by cross functional team (Marketing, Finance, Commercial, Operation), liaising with co-pack partners, US-based R&D and flavor houses.
+ Contributor to long term UK & European innovation plan & pipeline.

Support all projects on the Product Development Viability and Process,

liaising with US-based Global R&D Department, (Product/formulation Development, Packaging and Processing engineer, Food Safety & Quality teams), with European Operation and Manufacturing teams, and with key suppliers such as Flavor Houses.

+ Act as the local linchpin between technical teams and Local project teams to ensure technical aspects are anticipated and issues addressed.

Owner of the Decision Gate process;

Driver of continuous improvement of innovation process and Ways of working

Team Leadership:

+ Continuous process improvement (templates, ways of working,..) locally and with key Stakeholders
+ Lead relationship & ways of working with all support functions (PD, FSQA, FPNA, Distributors) for Project Management
+ Hold an annual trends forum and competitive review to European team.

Qualifications:

Required

Master's Degree, ideally in technical subject such as in food engineering 5+ years of experience Creative problem solver, and able to be collaborative with a diverse, cross-functional team. Robust and Demonstrable Project Management experience Experience in interaction with Technical R&D teams within food / drink category Ideally Marketing & Consumer Insight exposure/ experience Business case oriented Fluency in English to a high level Genuine collaborator across functions Excellent communication and relationship building (delivering through others) Thrive in complexity. Ability to multitask + work agile + identify new ways of working and change Technical and Business curiosity. Communicate directly and immediately.

Preferred

Food engineering background welcomed Ideally Consumer Insight and Brand exposure & experience European work experience and Pan-European outlook 2nd European Language

Who We Are:

You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your fridge or have gotten into heated holiday debate about what's better - canned or fresh cranberry sauce. But did you know that the hardworking people growing the superfruit in our products are 700 family farmers that own our cooperative? They entrust us with what is most precious to them to create new and innovative products that will delight consumers and grow this beloved brand today and into the future.



Team members, farmers, consumers and communities alike-we value what makes us unique and strive to connect our farms to families for a better life by living our values:

G

rower Mindset - We embrace our grower-owners innovative spirit and heritage through confidence, learning and focus on the future. Sustainable

R

esults - Guided by purpose, we are focused on delivering results for our grower-owners.

I

ntegrity Above All - We are ethical, doing the right thing for our grower-owners, customers, consumers and each other Inclusive

T

eamwork - We build diverse and inclusive teams that strengthen our cooperative.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.