Innovation Manager
Big ideas? You'll make them real! As our Innovation Manager, you'll partner with the VP of Product to dream up, test, and launch what's next for JuneShine Brands! From first sip to full-scale production, you'll keep innovation flowing - creating new products, leveling up the classics, and experimenting with flavors, formats and ingredients. You'll drive fast-moving projects from concept to launch and make sure every drop is top-notch.
Who You Are :
- Energized by a fast-paced, team-first environment
- Equal parts creative thinker + technical doer
- Experienced in turning napkin ideas into shelf-ready products
- Fluent in cross-team collaboration (Marketing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality)
- A builder who hits deadlines and raises the bar
What You'll Do :
Lead the Innovation department and all correlating initiativesCollaborate with Supply Chain to execute NPI (New Product Innovation) timelines in accordance with the product roadmapOversee new product development, ingredient validation, and prototype formulationMaintain inventory of raw materials for R&D, working with Supply Chain to source new inputsOptimize internal R&D lab processes for batching, carbonating, filling, and pasteurizing samplesImplement tasting panel processes and revise formulas based on feedbackEvaluate shelf-life performance and provide samples for customer presentationsEnsure formulations meet quality specifications and COGS (Cost of Goods) expectationsLead SKU optimization and reformulation initiativesPartner with Quality to scale formulas, finalize nutritional panels, and establish production specsManage 3rd-party lab relationships for testing and regulatory complianceMust-Haves :
Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of applicationOpen to tasting alcohol and / or THC products as part of sensory testing yes, it's part of the job5+ years of experience in product development, innovation, or R&D in the beverage, CPG, food or THC / psychopharmacology industriesHands-on experience with product formulation, shelf-life testing, and scale-up to commercial productionProven success leading cross-functional innovation projects from concept to launchStrong knowledge of regulatory compliance, nutritional labeling, and food safety standardsExperience managing an R&D lab, including equipment, calibration, and safety protocolsTravel and schedule flexibility is required (up to 20 days per year)JuneShine Brands' expanding external manufacturing network may occasionally require unscheduled travel beyond standard expectations to address time-sensitive issues related to external manufacturing, 3PL partners, distribution, or external storageNice to Haves :
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related fieldPrior experience in alcoholic beverage, kombucha, or functional beverage innovationFamiliarity with carbonation, pasteurization, and sensory testing processesDemonstrated success reducing COGS while maintaining product qualityExperience managing external manufacturing or 3PL partnersCompensation :
$110,000 - $120,000 a yearThe final salary offer will be determined by several factors, including years of expertise, skills, and experienceAdditional :
Unlimited Paid Time OffHealthcare Benefits; up to 90% contribution for employees and 25% for dependent medicalVoluntary vision, dental, and accidental plans offered401k with up to 4% company match12 weeks paid Equal Parental Leave, $500 Baby Bonding Bucks, and sustainable baby giftBooch, Spirit, Beer, and Soft Good PerksAnd so much more!Our Purpose : To make quality, purpose-driven beverages
Our Business : Our vision is to create the next-generation beverage platform, comprising distinct brands, each with its own ethos and purpose. Despite being a multi-billion dollar industry, it lacks options that cater to the next generation of drinkers who will demand more from their alcohol than a mere buzz. Disrupting this industry is a worthy, and massive opportunity.
Our Culture : Our core values are Quality, Transparency, and Team-First. We derive much of our management policy from a book we give you upon hiring, 'Let My People Go Surfing', by Yvon Chouinard (founder, owner, Patagonia). Our policy is to allow workers flexible hours, provided the work gets done with no negative impact on others. Our 'let my people go surfing' policy demands that we hire very unique individuals; those with a combination of self-motivation, self-discipline, and energy.
JuneShine Brands is a purpose-driven organization composed of a diverse and dynamic group of individuals with varied backgrounds, passions, and beliefs. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's unique perspectives are valued. We seek to hire self-motivated, independent thinkers, who embrace challenging the status quo. Join us at JuneShine Brands where you're encouraged to bring your authentic self to your craft every day. As a proud equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to ensuring fairness and equity in our hiring practices.
You must reside in the United States to be considered for this position.