Manager, North America Insights - RTD

Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Rooted in two centuries of family heritage, Beam Suntory has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company ... where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets - our premium spirits and our people - we're driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Beam Suntory is a place where you can come Unleash your Spirit by making an impact each and every day.

Manager, North America Insights - RTD  

The following position is open in New York, United States.

What makes this a great opportunity?

This individual has the opportunity to be a key part of driving and shaping our business in a highly attractive and growing category.  Beam Suntory is the top spirits Ready-to-Drink player (RTD) worldwide and has set its sights on becoming a top player in the dynamic, fast-growing US RTD market.  BSI made the bold move last year to accelerate its US market position through its acquisition of spirits based On The Rocks and by establishing a strategic venture (SV) with Boston Beer to enter the FMB space.  The incumbent will work closely together with cross-functional counterparts and manage the insights learning plan in order to take products from ideation to launch.  The role provides the opportunity to make a big impact within a short period of time. The incumbent will report to the Senior Manager, North America Insights - RTD & Global COE RTD and be responsible for identifying, developing, and integrating insights throughout the business unit to drive marketplace success.  

Location:  Chicago or New York

Role Responsibilities

• Build the Innovation insights agenda for the Ready-to-Drink category, in order to drive consumer-centric decision making for brand and portfolio expansion initiatives   
• Create and manage learning plans within the US RTD innovation accelerator model – including white space identification, idea/concept testing and validation, product naming, liquid testing, target identification, portfolio prioritization, and post-launch measurement
• Implement hypothesis-based innovation model, in accordance with international teams, founded in emerging trends and market-driven insights, including consumer, shopper, and retail insights.   
• Lead qualitative and quantitative custom research projects throughout all stages including exploring & testing new tools/approaches, execution, analysis and final recommendations
• Draw from a variety of information sources and internal resources to identify insights and turn results into action and strategy with cross-functional teams

• Influence cross functional teams to ensure that business decisions are grounded in consumer understanding and brand building fundamentals

Qualifications & Experience

Skills

• High degree of intellectual curiosity and creative insight, coupled with a drive for actionable, tangible results
• Works effectively with a cross functional team, agency and suppliers
• Highly adaptable, works well in a fast paced, unstructured entrepreneurial environment
• High level of accountability, flexibility and self-direction to work autonomously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experienced and comfortable communicating with senior-level leaders
• Skilled in balancing multiple projects within timelines and budget requirements
• Experience with range of innovation research methodologies and applications - such as white space identification, idea/concept testing and validation, product naming, liquid testing, target identification, portfolio prioritization, and post-launch measurement
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to draw conclusions and extract meaningful insights from data (comfort in excel, data visualization, significance testing) 

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree required – Master’s degree a plus
• Minimum 5 years of custom insights/research experience, including new product development research
• Solid understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and suppliers with a broad range of research techniques
• Experience leading custom research across a variety of methodologies and business applications 

At Beam Suntory, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences and backgrounds are valued and respected. Beam Suntory is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant’s skills and experience.