Innovation Sourcing Manager

The Innovation Sourcing Manager will play an important role in supporting Spindrift’s innovation initiatives - primarily focused on identifying and on-boarding new, high-quality ingredients and suppliers to support new product development and business growth. The Innovation Sourcing Manager will report to the Associate Director of Sourcing. Our team is fast-paced, fun-loving, and fanatical about our delicious product; you’ll work with us to help grow our product offerings that highlight our key points of difference and premium approach to sparkling water.
 
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Own and continuously optimize the new supplier and ingredients qualification process
Find new, exciting ingredients and suppliers that meet or exceed Spindrift’s high standards for taste and quality
Collaborate with our in-house sensory team on ingredient tastings, comparisons, and studies
Work closely with quality, manufacturing, and supply chain to onboard new suppliers and reach critical milestones / deadlines within the commercialization process
Support the Innovation Lab Manager / R&D lab by maintaining an inventory of high-quality, representative ingredients to support new product development work
Contribute as an active member of taste panel and new product development work
Support cost-optimization initiatives, including managing trials, organizing information, communicating timelines, etc.
Conduct supplier and farm visits
Assist with sustainability-related workstreams
Support ingredient traceability workstreams  
Requirements
WHO YOU ARE:
Knowledgeable and passionate about real ingredients, agriculture, and sustainability
Experienced in sourcing, product development, and/or manufacturing in food & beverage
A self-starter, comfortable taking initiative and working independently
Detail-oriented and organized
Friendly, personable, and comfortable being the face of the brand to suppliers and industry members alike
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Skills
Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience in sourcing, quality, manufacturing, or R&D
3+ years of experience working with real fruit ingredients in CPG / Food & Beverage
Experience negotiating contract terms and pricing
Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills
Outstanding organizational skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
Ability to travel as needed, up to~25% of the time
Ability to work 4 days a week at Spindrift’s HQ in Newton, MA   
Benefits
The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 and is dependent upon the candidate’s experience prior to joining Spindrift. In addition, we offer the following compensation and benefits:
short-term and long-term incentive programs specific to level and department
medical, dental, and vision insurance, with a current employer contribution rate of 80% towards monthly premiums, regardless of plan type selected
Company-paid life insurance, and a 401k retirement savings plan
Monthly cell phone allowance
Annual allowances for personal use of Spindrift product, health and wellness, professional development, and social justice education
A host of voluntary benefits including but not limited to additional life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance, pet insurance, commuter benefits, etc.
In addition to any paid leave benefits required by regulation, the company provides paid parental leave, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, community service, and vacation time