Sr. Manager – NPD & Innovation

About Proximo Spirits

Proximo Spirits is a global leader in premium and craft spirits, home to iconic brands including Jose Cuervo®, 1800® Tequila, Kraken® Rum, and Bushmills® Irish Whiskey. We are driving growth through bold innovation, entrepreneurial energy, and a relentless focus on commercial excellence.

Position Summary

This leadership role is responsible for a technical team of 5 based across NJ (corporate office) and IN (manufacturing site). Works closely with Operations and Marketing teams in developing premium, innovative, first-to-market products, while driving existing margin enhancements. Acts as the gate keeper for the NPD Stage Gate process, ensuring adherence to standards and cross-functional collaboration. Evaluates and resolves technical feasibilities, design optimizations, and manufacturing capabilities. Most importantly, builds & develops talent within the organization to provide bench strength and career growth opportunities.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manages the NPD process to ensure quality, efficiency, profitability for the Proximo produced brand portfolio.
• Continuously matures the Stage Gate process, by developing and fostering professional relationships with Marketing colleagues.
• Works across functions in establishing component design, material selection, process technology, liquid compatibility, assembly feasibility and vendor strategy to meet profitability targets of the business.
• Manages project budgets and prepares financial analyses for reviews with the Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensures that product launch deadlines and gross margin targets are set according to pre-agreed standards.
• Fosters a Continuous Improvement mindset in optimizing quality, cost and assembly performance of existing products.
• Benchmarks across the industry by attending trade shows, technology seminars, etc. to bring the latest market innovation opportunities into the organization.
• Leads, coaches, and develops a team that provides meaningful and actionable insights/opportunities for the broader organization.
• Builds talent and succession plans to grow the pipeline of future leaders at Proximo.

Key Competencies

• PMO--Strong in program management: prioritizes, plans, and communicates work activity across a broad suite of projects. Sets goals & objectives, organizes timelines and realistic action plans.
• Business Acumen--Understands business implications of decisions. Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition, aligns work with strategic goals.
• Analytical--Synthesizes complex information into actionable insights, using intuition and experience to complement data.
• Quality Management--Continuously seeks ways to improve quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Adaptability--Adapts to changes in priorities, manages and prioritizes competing demands.
• Managing Team -- Includes direct reports in planning, decision-making, and process improvements. Ensures accountability throughout the team, provides regular coaching.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Marketing, Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing & Operations
• External: Supplier base & 3rd Party contract manufacturers

Knowledge and Experience

• Technical bachelor’s degree required (Packaging Science degree a plus)
• 5+ years’ experience in Spirits or related industry
• Managerial experience overseeing team of direct reports
• Proficiency Project Management software and techniques
• Working knowledge of SAP
• Excellent written and communication skills, ability to present to Executive Leadership Team

The salary range for this role is a base salary of $134,400 - $168,500 along with an annual bonus, 401K match, and medical and wellness benefits. The range will vary if outside of this location. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience and skill set against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Proximo is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, physical or mental disability of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, engaging in legally protected activity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.