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

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be at least 21 years of age. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time and work on a computer for extended periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).