Innovation Program Manager
Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double-digit growth every year. We produce and market the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, we own many popular brands across a range of spirits, such as Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery.”
About the Role
As the Innovation Program Manager for North America, you will be instrumental in the successful delivery of innovation critical to Sazerac's growth plans. You will oversee multiple North America innovation programs, hire and staff Innovation Leaders and Coordinators for each Brand, enable and execute the innovation process and systems to ensure clear risk assessments, leadership engagement, progress through gates, and on-time delivery of innovation projects and total programs. This role encompasses growth, maintenance, optimization, and refresh projects across multiple Brands, including new Brands for Sazerac.
Responsibilities
- Improve processes and systems to seek "incremental" or "breakthrough" improvements, evaluating them for efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility.
- Maintain a prioritized list of new initiatives and ensure projects are communicated and managed to achieve target ship dates and volumes.
- Grow sales volume, manage and optimize cost of goods and overheads while delivering the highest quality products. Priority brands will grow in volume and profit at a faster rate than the total business and will comprise more than 65%.
- Work with Brand teams to execute strategic plans, annual plans, and activities that support and achieve long-term goals.
- Design, implement, and improve processes with a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with internal and external groups.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 10 years of experience in a fast-paced project/innovation environment.
- Ability to communicate with leadership and all levels of the organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP certification.
- Proficiency in all MS Office software systems, including PowerBI.
Benefits
Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, and paid time off. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type.
Pay
The annual salary range for this role is $126,000 - $190,000. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal pay equity considerations.