The primary focus is to provide effective leadership and technical “know-how” to enable the Category function to deliver excellence in new product innovation and private label penetration, convert existing branded products into private label and lead recyclable and sustainable packaging initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Own the company’s private label penetration targets to meet strategic goals
- Eliminate lost revenue by ensuring our assortment is represented with major food trends and technology
- Leverage and act on consumer trends to develop impactful new products that deliver a superior point of difference/flavor advantage
- Monitor technical trends in food, flavor, and packaging in order to determine private label “me too” opportunities and anticipate consumers’ desires for these products
- Demonstrate expertise in food science/product safety techniques and methodologies to bring innovative products to life
- Future-focused “catalyst for the organization” seeking new ways to enhance current products and introduce new concepts to the organization
- Provide technical insight to inform our strategic and annual business planning process specific to new product breakthroughs
- OKRs tied to departmental goals and tracked
- Cultivate a robust and active pipeline of innovation identifying new concepts for products and technologies through consumer research/insights, technology, and marketing
- Oversee the stage-gate process of pipeline innovation and effectively manage the timely delivery of profitable new products and projects
- Effectively report progress via identification and implementation of new reporting tools to accelerate performance through planning, cadence, and action
- Create a nimble sensory research/expert panel process to approve taste and product
- Lead grocery team by elevating private label competency, centered on creativity/inspired flavors, good process and project management/delivery to expectation
Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience forming collaborative working processes with Brand Management, Marketing, and Merchandising teams, while ensuring seamless workflows
- Experience working on projects with a focus on “speed to market”
- Expertise in food science/ product safety
- Experience working with private label products
- Exceptional vision and tactical know-how
- Minimum of 5 years of related experience
- Proficient with Excel, Google Suite, and Asana
About You:
- You have a strong understanding and passion for emerging market/food trends
- You have experience commercializing new products and product improvements
- You challenge the status quo through thoughtful and fact-based solutions
- You are committed to communicate, promote and support the company vision and values, and model the expected behaviors
- You possess an inquisitive mind, challenging norms and seeking break-through solutions
- You’re passionate about our mission to eliminate food waste and create a better food system for all
Details of Position:
- Full-time/ exempt position reporting to the Vice President of Merchandising
- Based out of our San Francisco office
- Salary and employee stock options commensurate with experience
- Competitive benefits package including health care paid vacation, 401K, paid parental leave, and recurring credit towards your Imperfect account!
Physical Requirements:
- Sedentary work; involves sitting most of the time
- Occasional movement around the office may be necessary
- Regular work with computers, including keyboards, mouses, and screens
- Standing desks and/or other ergonomic accommodation is available upon request
- Regular use of mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets
- Domestic travel as necessary