Senior Innovation Manager - Beverage

Posted: 09/23/2025 Industry: Laboratory - Food & Beverage Job Number: 167.25KO Pay Rate: 140, + Bonus Remote Friendly:
On-Site

Experience:

Senior Innovation Manager – Beverage

The responsibilities of the Senior Innovation Manager – Beverage will include:

• Develop and execute a technical innovation roadmap to drive breakthrough innovation in the CSD category.
• Research and hands-on development of beverage applications with functional and technical benefits.
• Serve as a subject matter expert. Test, validate, and communicate the science, benefits, and feasibility of utilizing novel functional ingredients, technologies, and packaging solutions.
• Research and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients (sweeteners, acids, flavors, fiber, protein, functional ingredients) and their interaction with the beverage system.
• Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients in finished products using industry-established analytical and sensory tools.
• Employ in-house lab or external analytical lab partners to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging testing, micro testing, etc., to make recommendations.
• Identify patentable technologies and processes and contribute to the development of strong IP to secure a competitive advantage.
• Open to travel to ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples as needed.

Contact: For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kristine O’Sullivan at

$140,000 - $160,000 + Bonus

Benefits Available

Qualifications:

• Experience working in a high-growth environment where decisions are made swiftly and priorities shift throughout the day.
• Proven publication record – research papers, white-papers, patents, trade secrets, and other similar IP.
• Ability to tackle ambiguous technical challenges and develop creative, practical solutions.
• Proven track record of developing and scaling-up food and beverage applications – soft drinks, energy drinks, protein drinks, enhanced waters, teas, etc.
• Proficient understanding of ingredients (sweeteners, acids, flavors, fiber) and their interaction with the beverage system. Flavor house experience is desired but not needed.
• In-depth understanding of the requirements and implications of beverage processing: pasteurization, aseptic, cold fill.
• Advanced problem-solving and evaluation capabilities along with a proven record of delivering timely results.
• Excellent collaborator with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Key Technical Fit:

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Biology, or related field required:
  PhD preferred.
• Publication record in this form of research papers, white papers, patents, trade secret and other similar IP.
• 4+ years of experience in food or beverage industry, preferably in beverage application development.
• Technology proficient with the Microsoft Office, Net Suite, Power Bi, and Formulation Management software. Capable of quickly learning and adapting to new technologies.
• Strategic and data-driven approach to developing best-in-class products.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 20% by plane and car to domestic or international sites.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, lean, “all hands-on deck” environment.
• Some lifting and the movement of moderate loads require 50-pound lifting requirement.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

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