Job Description

Position Summary

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, at Constellation Brands we embrace innovation and bold ideas to help shape a future that we truly believe is worth reaching for. We question norms, listen carefully, and anticipate trends. This is just one reason why Constellation Brands is the fastest-growing, large consumer product goods company in the U.S. at retail.

Our Growth & Innovation Team exists within Constellation Brands to create bold ideas in and outside of our premium portfolio of iconic brands, including Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner, SVEDKA Vodka and High West Whiskey.

We are seeking an Innovation Manager that can act as a cross functional team leader - a spark that ignites big ideas, establishes solid strategic foundations, and can influence and inspire internal and external partners.  The role will be responsible for development and flawless execution of disruptive product innovations that drive portfolio growth and brand equity, while continuously helping to strengthen our innovation capabilities in the organization.

This role reports into the Director of Innovation/Growth.

Responsibilities

This key member of the growth team identifies and assesses product innovation opportunities and leads the development process from idea generation through launch on our iconic brands, with focus on our flagship beer portfolio. Leveraging market and consumer insights, this individual develops and manages an innovation pipeline of projects that both support brand strategies and pursue opportunities for new brands and platforms to meet consumer demands.

Develop and manage new product innovation from concept ideation through commercialization on an iconic portfolio across our brands

Manage cross functional teams in support of new product development projects and leverage resources as needed to facilitate process.

Lead and participate in ideation/brainstorming sessions and concept/proposition development.  

Leverage the power of storytelling to bring to life innovation concepts and inspire support internally and externally

Manage agency engagements and proactively solicit and recommend suppliers for ideation, concept development, packaging, etc.

Utilize advanced consumer insights to identify opportunities and further validate and optimize concepts that will drive growth and meet objectives

Partner with Brand Teams to identify growth platforms and develop products that will support brand strategies

Identify and implement best practices within innovation, to develop even better ideas and a more efficient development cycle.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in a CPG company

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (Marketing, Business, Management, etc.)

A passion for innovation, the “what’s next?”, and seeing the creative development process unfold

Proven track record of successful innovation utilizing a stage-gate process

Exceptional organization and project management skills

Expertise in leading strong cross-functional teams and skill in working and influencing within a matrix environment

Strong commercial and financial acumen, exposure to working with P&L’s

Ability to identify, interpret and apply critical consumer insights to new product development, with experience applying varying research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) to the process

Comfortable with ambiguity

Experience directing and collaborating with external partners (e.g., brand strategy, package design, research agencies) for brand development and execution

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 5 years progressive experience in a beer or spirits industry preferred; food or beverage industry experience desirable

Experience managing or mentoring talent a plus

Belief in the power of the team, enthusiasm for driving a strong internal culture, and a sense of humor never hurts