Senior Manager, Innovation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the entire innovation pipeline, from discovering promising ingredients to launching products.

• Report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer and collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer.

• Act as an individual contributor while leading cross-functional project teams.

• Manage the ingredient opportunity map across areas such as cognition and focus, energy, sleep and stress, recovery, gut health, hormonal health, and longevity.

• Monitor clinical research, branded and patented ingredients, and delivery technologies, providing quarterly trend-radar insights.

• Assess new formats and flavors, including gummies, chews, stick packs, ready-to-drink products, and functional foods.

• Suggest new categories and expansion priorities based on consumer insights and competitive analyses.

• Conduct evidence reviews on dosage, delivery, bioavailability, safety, and study quality.

• Collaborate with Regulatory and Legal on regulatory pathways, claims substantiation, and third-party certifications.

• Develop science briefs for product launches that cover approved claims, supporting evidence, and clear explanations.

• Create and manage a dynamic 12–18-month innovation roadmap.

• Execute stage-gate processes and provide monthly pipeline reports, including recommendations for discontinuing underperforming projects.

• Lead launch teams from R&D, Operations, Quality, and Procurement, overseeing COGS, margin, timelines, formulas, packaging, labeling, and supply readiness.

• Co-lead go-to-market strategies with the Brand team regarding positioning, naming, launch narratives, and product education.

• Monitor launch performance at 30, 60, and 90 days.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 8 years of experience in CPG innovation, NPD, or R&D, with a history of taking multiple products from concept to launch.

• Background in supplements, functional or sports nutrition, or a closely related field.

• Strong scientific literacy, with the ability to interpret clinical studies, evaluate study quality, and articulate findings and their safety implications.

• Understanding of supplement manufacturing and regulation, including formulation, cGMP, DSHEA, claims substantiation, and NDI requirements.

• Proven history of rapid launches while ensuring quality, safety, and claims integrity.

• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, aligning cross-functional partners and leadership around recommendations.

• Commercial acumen, including experience in business-case development and co-leading launches.

• Familiarity with nootropics, performance, recovery, sleep, or longevity is advantageous.

• Experience across TTS, DTC, Amazon, and retail is a plus.

• Background in ready-to-drink or functional food is desirable.

• Experience in a fast-paced or early-stage environment is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• The position is eligible for bonuses.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Basic Life Insurance provided.

• Immediate eligibility for 401(k) with company matching.

• Unlimited vacation policy.

• Paid holidays included.

• Flexible workplace policy available.

• $100/month flexible benefit stipend.

• Tuition reimbursement offered.

• In-office meals provided.

• Product credits and discounts available.

• Lifestyle spending account included.

• Family planning support offered.

• Access to online learning opportunities.

• Fitness stipend available.