SUMMARY As the Director of Innovation, you will lead the execution and evolution Traditional Medicinals’ innovation strategy and pipeline development for new formats. You will also lead the Stage Gate Process for innovation across all formats, including bagged tea and lozenges. You will leverage market insights, sales data and consumer research to identify white space opportunities and partner with our world-class scientists, herbalists, field experts and technicians in Research and Development, Sourcing, Quality and Manufacturing to lead the development of new products from concept to commercialization. You will also work with the Sales team to engage retailers in an innovation feedback process and keep the organization apprised of market trends, new competitive products and opportunities for differentiation across all formats. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will help shape the company’s strategy and annual objectives. Reporting to the Chief Science Officer, the Director of Innovation is considered instrumental to Traditional Medicinals’ continued growth and success, helping to diversify our portfolio and consumer base so we can more effectively achieve our purpose of inspiring active connection to plant wisdom in service of people and planet.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Drive the company’s innovation strategy for new platforms; evolving as necessary to address needs of business along with changing consumer needs and market trends
Identify new product opportunities that drive incremental growth, profitability and are aligned with the company’s global sourcing strategy.
Lead development and annual refresh of a robust innovation pipeline for new formats, maintaining both a 3-year plan and 7-year view of potential innovation opportunities exclusive of tea and lozenges.
Conduct deep dives on product categories and need states of interest and continuously monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to identify unmet consumer needs & white space opportunities
Engage key retailers in innovation feedback sessions in collaboration with Sales
Own/manage new product development projects from concept to commercialization; ensuring projects are delivered on time/on budget
Build the business case for new product opportunities using R-W-W (Real-Win-Worth It) approach, and partner with brand team to develop the launch strategy.
Conduct research/consumer testing of product concepts, claims, positioning, package design as needed.
Stay abreast of technology tools and data sources that support innovation and make recommendations for adoption.
Explore opportunities with suppliers, co-mans, brands and other partners that can help expand company’s innovation capabilities
Identify new & interesting herbal ingredients that can expand TM’s portfolio and strengthen our relationships with strategic sourcing partners.
Champion and lead the Stage Gate process - moderating meetings, setting agenda, ensuring compliance across organization, and revamping process as necessary to address changing needs of the business and conduct annual trainings for staff on stage gate process
Conduct after action reviews of innovation initiatives post launch.
Additional tasks, duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of 10 years of experience in innovation, brand management or product marketing in food, beverage or dietary supplements. Experience in natural products industry a plus.
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, project management or related discipline. Advanced degree a plus.
Understanding of dietary supplement regulations a plus.
Proven leadership and project management skills with proven ability to successfully lead innovation projects from concept to commercialization. Experience with stage gate process required.
Strategic thinker with highly developed business acumen, proven analytical skills and a drive to deliver product that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and the planet.
Strong organizational, presentation and communication skills along with an ability to deliver output requirements in a timely manner.
Self-starter who can act with agility and is highly collaborative.
Proven ability to work well with other cross-functional partners and across global markets – with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Passionate about herbal products, relentless creative thinking and brand building and ability to quickly develop category and product expertise.
Empathetic, high emotional IQ and effective interpersonal skills
Shares wins and failures openly and sees the former as a valuable learning opportunity
Excellent PC skills especially MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Strong interpersonal and communication skills including listening skills
Office Hours/Location:
This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 5:00 pm. This is a hybrid role offering the flexibility to occasionally work remotely. Expected in-offices days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Subject to change.
Traditional Medicinals, Inc. and its subsidiaries are proud equal-opportunity employers. We wholeheartedly embrace authenticity, diversity, and people's differences. We acknowledge, celebrate, and support individuality to the great advantage of our consumers, our stakeholders, our products, and the planet. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all our people. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
Compensation range is $156,000 - $195,000
Compensation is determined based on non-discriminatory, business-related factors, including but not limited to, training, experience, education and/or professional certifications, geographic location, and market data.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Product Management and Marketing
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
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