Ready To Drink (RTD) Brand Manager - Innovation

About the role

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 and 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. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Brown-Forman’s RTD portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Financial Management: Craft product innovation strategies, visions, and roadmaps aligned with business goals, including developing a P&L forecast to evaluate financial feasibility.
• Market Research & Ideation: Collaborate with consumer insights to leverage qualitative and quantitative research, conduct market analyses, and identify "white spaces" to translate insights into viable business opportunities.
• Collaboration with Brand Management: Work with the Brand Management team to execute consumer brand strategy and integrate new product development within portfolio management.
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Engage and influence internal teams (R&D, Supply Chain, Project Management, Production) to execute operational elements on time and with excellence.
• Sales Integration & Go-to-Market Planning: Oversee product commercialization, build knowledge around innovations, and collaborate with the commercial team to execute channel and customer strategies.
• Stakeholder Communication: Present innovation strategies to senior leaders to secure buy-in, align teams to the product roadmap, and manage executive expectations regarding timelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 4+ years of marketing and/or brand-building experience (equivalent RTD marketing experience considered in lieu of a degree).
• Spirits/Beverage/CPG industry experience.
• Experience in Brand Management, Consumer Insights, Analytical Understanding, and New Product Development.
• Ability and willingness to travel 30% of the time, including some weekends.

Skills

• New Product Development: Expertise in identifying market opportunities and leading product development.
• Portfolio Management: Experience building brand strategy to maximize market coverage and minimize overlap.
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and implement long-term brand strategies.
• Team Management and Mentorship: Ability to build, lead, and mentor teams.
• Financial Planning and Management: Advanced budget management, P&L accountability, and revenue forecasting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams (sales, finance, operations, R&D).

Schedule

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

Benefits

Total Rewards at Brown-Forman includes equitable pay structures for individual and company performance, alongside a premium employee experience. Benefits reflect company values and meet the needs of a diverse workforce.