Director of Innovation & Category Management

Role Description & Responsibilities:

1.     Strategic Category & Innovation Leadership:

o   Develop and implement comprehensive category & innovation strategies to meet business objectives and to elevate the customer and barista experiences.

o   Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Retail Operations, Supply Chain, Finance) to ensure alignment with business goals and long-term brand vision.

o   Evaluate emerging trends in food, beverages, and customer experiences to identify new opportunities for innovation.

2.     New Product Development (NPD):

o   Oversee the end-to-end process of developing new products, from concept ideation to launch.

o   Ensure product development is aligned with customer preferences and operational feasibility.

o   Integrate customer insights and market research into the R&D process and innovation pipeline.

3.     Portfolio Management:

o   Oversee the lifecycle of product categories, including innovation, launch, maintenance, and discontinuation.

o   Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, supply chain, finance) to ensure product alignment with customer needs.

4.     Revenue and Profitability Growth:

o   Drive category performance through assortment optimization and pricing strategies.

o   Monitor category performance metrics and adjust strategies to achieve revenue and margin goals.

5.     Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration:

o   Partner with Marketing, Design, Technology, Operations, and other departments to drive product launches and customer-facing innovations.

o   Build relationships with external partners, including suppliers, tech companies, and design agencies to bring fresh ideas and technologies to the company.

6.     Leadership & Team Management:

o   Lead and mentor a team of innovation and category management professionals, fostering a creative and collaborative environment.

o   Cultivate a culture of experimentation and risk-taking while ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

7.     Market & Consumer Insights:

o   Utilize data and insights to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics.

Continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of innovation initiatives and pivot strategies as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:
• 7 years of experience in innovation, product development, or strategic roles, with a strong track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving successful product innovations.
• Experience in the food and beverage, retail, or consumer goods industries is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize and balance multiple initiatives, and achieve measurable results.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive change at all levels of the organization.
• Creative thinker with a passion for innovation and consumer-focused solutions.
• Strong business acumen, with experience managing budgets and understanding the financial impact of innovation initiatives.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and turn big ideas into tangible outcomes.
• Comfort with managing and driving large-scale initiatives.