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Meaningful Work From Day One

As the Innovation Manager for USA&C Ready-to-Drink (RTD), lead the development, execution, and launch of new RTD products that meet business growth ambitions and consumer needs.  This role requires a strategic & creative thinker with strong new product development expertise, a deep understanding of consumer behavior, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals.  Effective leadership,  consumer insight, and a project management process will be crucial.  This role will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brown-Forman’s RTD portfolio.

What You Can Expect

• Strategic Planning & Financial Management: Crafting product innovation strategies, visions, and roadmaps that align with the overarching goals of the business. This includes developing a P&L forecast to evaluate the financial feasibility of new concepts.

• Market Research & Ideation: Collaborate with consumer insights to leverage qualitative and quantitative research to uncover consumer insights and put them into action. They must conduct market analyses and competitive assessments to identify "white spaces" and translate these insights into viable business opportunities and new product pipelines.

• Collaboration with Brand Management: Work with the Brand Management communication team to effectively execute the consumer brand strategy, leveraging new production development roles within the portfolio management structure.

• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Engaging and influence diverse, internal cross-functional teams—such as  Research & Development, Supply Chain, Project Management  & Production—to execute operational elements on time and with excellence.

• Sales Integration & Go-to-Market Planning: Oversee product commercialization to build knowledge around new innovations in order to effectively & efficiently sell the RTD portfolio.  Working hand-in-hand with the commercial team to ensure execution of new production based on channel and customer strategies.

• Stakeholder Communication: Presenting innovation strategies to senior leaders to gain buy-in and secure necessary resources. They must continuously align teams to the product roadmap, influence cross-functional resources, and manage executive expectations regarding product timelines

Core Capabilities

• New Product Development: Expertise in identifying market opportunities and leading the development of new products that meet consumer needs.

• Portfolio Management: Experience in building brand strategy to maximize market coverage, minimize overlap, and enhance overall brand equity.

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement long-term brand strategies.

• Team Management and Mentorship: Ability to build and lead a team, providing guidance and support for professional development.

• Leadership Skills: Influence, inspire, and motivate team members to achieve common goals. Manage agency partners to deliver on the scope of work and within the strategy.

• Financial Planning and Management: Advanced budget management skills, P&L accountability, revenue management,  and business performance forecast.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams across the organization, including sales, finance, operations, and R&D.

• Innovation | New Product Development and Portfolio Management: Ability to identify market opportunities and lead the development of new products that meet consumer needs.

What You Bring To The Table

• Bachelors Degree and 8+ years of marketing and/or brand-building success. Equivalent RTD marketing experience will be considered in lieu of a Degree.

• Spirits/Beverage/CPG industry experience.

• Experience in Team Management, Brand Management, Consumer Insights, Analytical Understanding, and New Product Development is required.

• Ability and willingness to travel 30% of the time, including some weekends

Working Arrangement

In-office at the Brown-Forman Louisville, Kentucky Corporate Headquarters Monday to Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

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