
Sr. Manager/Director of Innovation (Beverage) (US - Remote)
- Remote
- Aptos, California, United States
- Trade / Sales / Purchase
Job description
Tradin Organic is the global front runner in organic ingredients. We offer a full service portfolio based on our unique sourcing, sustainability initiatives and processing & distribution capabilities. We offer a wide range of products from frozen fruit and vegetables, dried fruits, coffee, cocoa, cereals, rice, sugar, soya, pulses, seeds, nuts, oils, fats, fruit concentrates, dairy products, seasonings, sweeteners and more. Every day we continuously strive to introduce new products into the market in order to meet the happiness of our customers. We are a part of Amsterdam Commodities N.V. (Acomo) with headquarters in Rotterdam. Acomo is an international listed company active in the worldwide sourcing, processing, trading, packaging and distribution of natural food products and ingredients. The company is listed at the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (Euronext: ACOMO).
We have 20+ years of experience working with the US largest retailers to create on trend private label products using our global supply chain of ingredients. We’re on a mission to drive the consumption of organic products by creating on-trend private label retail products for a select group of leading U.S. retailers. We bring this to life by activating Tradin Organic’s world-class global supply chain—and executing with excellence at every step.
We're on the hunt for a Senior Manager/Director of Innovation to lead the charge in shaping our product innovation pipeline, scaling our retail partnerships, and ensuring customers love our products and our service. This is a big role with big impact—and even bigger opportunity.
For our US team, we are looking for a Senior Manager/Director of Innovation to join our Team!
This is a remote position within the US.
Senior Manager/Director of Innovation
We are seeking a Sr. Manager/Director of Innovation to lead beverage innovation and commercialization from concept through launch. This is a commercially driven innovation role focused on owning the product pipeline, partnering external formulation partners, and delivering profitable on trend private label products for key retailers in US, MX and Canada.
This role leverages consumer insights and data to define product strategy but also leans on personal gut instinct and market knowledge.
The ideal candidate brings strong project management expertise (Asana preferred).
This role is critical to our growth strategy and partners closely with leadership, sales, operations, quality and supply chain internal teams to succeed in building resilient product portfolio.
What You’ll Do
Product Strategy & Commercial Ownership
Partner with Retail leadership and Sales to identify opportunities, customer needs, and white space.
Leverage consumer insights, market data, and trends to evolve product strategy.
Own and manage Build product-level P&Ls, including cost targets, margin expectations, and pricing guardrails based on current market pricing.
Ensure all innovation aligns with financial, operational, and customer requirements.
Own a 3‑year innovation roadmap and a longer‑range (5–7 year) opportunity view, focused on where Tradin Organic can credibly play and win beyond the core.
Build and scale the innovation function over time.
External R&D & Product Development Management
Partner with third-party formulators and development partners.
Own development and management of product P&Ls, leveraging cross-functional inputs from Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Define product and packaging specification requirements in partnership with Operations, ensuring alignment with manufacturing capabilities and cost targets.
Evaluate formulations against cost, quality, scalability, and sensory targets.
Program & Project Management Own and optimize the innovation portfolio and stage-gate process, leveraging project management tools (Asana or similar platforms).
Build detailed project plans, timelines, and dependencies across internal and external teams.
Drive cross-functional alignment and accountability to deliver innovative objectives and visibility across all stakeholders, utilizing stage gate.
Lead continuous improvement of stage-gate process to enhance speed, visibility, and execution.
This role will initially utilize Asana as the team’s primary project management tool open to suggestions for other tools.
Commercialization & Scale-Up
Drive the end-to-end development of innovation projects from concept to commercialization and full-scale production.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure manufacturability and cost targets are achieved.
Lead cross functionally with Ops team to manage co-manufacturers and external partners through launch.
Proactively manage risks related to scale-up, cost, and supply to ensure successful commercialization.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Act as the central hub connecting Leadership, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and external development partners.
Lead customer-facing innovation initiatives, with focus on private label and custom product development - focus on beverage.
Translate customer and commercial needs into executable development plans and timelines.
Job requirements
What You Bring
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business, Engineering, or related field (Food Science is a plus, not required).
Sr. Manager: 5 – 8+ years in CPG innovation, product development, commercialization, or technical program management.
Director: 8 – 10+ years leadership in CPG innovation – leading teams and product portfolios.
Strong experience building and managing product P&Ls and cost models.
Experience working with external formulators, co-manufacturers, or development partners.
Proven track record of launching beverage products from concept through commercialization.
Experience managing innovation pipelines using project management tools (Asana or similar platforms).
Strong understanding of ingredient costs, supply chain, and manufacturing constraints.
Excellent cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
Preferred Experience
Beverage or CPG industry experience.
Private label / customer-driven product development.
Experience in mid-sized or high-growth companies.
Exposure to consumer insights and data-driven product strategy.
Experience in working in customer product development portals.
Key Competencies
Commercial ownership & entrepreneurial mindset.
External partner leadership and influence.
Structured project and portfolio management.
Cross-functional leadership and collaboration.
Strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Strong communication and presentation skills, delivering clear and persuasive messages effectively.
Benefits of working at Tradin Organic:
11 paid holidays
401(K) matching
Comprehensive health insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Educational Assistance
Paid Paternity Leave
Volunteering Paid Time Off
Interested?
Apply via the apply button below!
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
An Equal Opportunity Employer
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED
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