Innovation Manager

OLIPOP; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

OLIPOP is seeking an Innovation Manager to drive strategic evaluations of our innovation pipeline. This role is crucial in balancing consumer insights and commercial data to enhance our product portfolio.

The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience in innovation within CPG, demonstrating strong analytical and project management skills. Compensation is competitive at $120,000 - $135,000 plus bonuses, in an exciting environment focused on modern soda innovation.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in innovation or brand management.
• Proven analytical skills in evaluating business cases.
• Experience using syndicated data for strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical evaluation of innovation projects.
• Analyze consumer trends and portfolio health.
• Develop data-driven business cases for investments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Financial acumen

Advanced Excel

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Syndicated data tools

Job description

OLIPOP is looking for an Innovation Manager to join our Innovation team. This role leads the quantitative and strategic evaluation of our innovation pipeline, combining consumer insights, commercial performance, and financial analysis to shape how our portfolio grows.

Responsibilities

• Pipeline Strategy & Prioritization — Lead the analytical evaluation of line extensions, LTOs, price pack architecture, and variety pack strategy to prioritize the innovation pipeline and recommend where OLIPOP should invest.
• Portfolio Strategy & Commercial Analytics — Analyze syndicated data, retailer performance, consumer trends, and internal sales data to evaluate portfolio health, identify whitespace opportunities, and optimize assortment and SKU productivity.
• Business Case Development — Develop compelling, data‑driven business cases that integrate consumer insights, commercial opportunity, financial return, operational complexity, and brand strategy to guide innovation investment decisions.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership — Partner closely with Insights, Brand, Sales, Finance, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Regulatory to evaluate opportunities, balance trade-offs, and drive successful commercialization.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in innovation, brand management, category management, portfolio strategy, or commercial strategy within a CPG company.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating line extensions, price pack architecture, assortment strategy, SKU productivity, or portfolio optimization. Experience supporting seasonal or limited‑time offers (LTOs) is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations—not simply report results.
• Experience using syndicated data (Circana, NielsenIQ, SPINS, Numerator, or similar) and internal business performance data to identify opportunities and inform strategic decisions.
• Strong financial acumen with experience developing business cases and evaluating commercial opportunities.
• Effective cross‑functional collaborator across Brand, Insights, Sales, Finance, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Regulatory.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and making recommendations with imperfect information.
• Advanced Excel skills required; experience with Tableau, Power BI, or similar data visualization tools is a plus.
• Experience in a high‑growth or entrepreneurial environment is a plus.
• Passion for the OLIPOP brand and excitement for shaping the future of modern soda.

Reports to: VP of Innovation

Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000 + Bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OLIPOP will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities or other needs during the application process and employment. To request an accommodation, please contact the People Team at [e-mail].