Transformation Management Office Sr. Manager

What makes this a great opportunity?

Suntory is embarking on a transformative journey aimed at enhancing our EBIT and digital capabilities. The Sr. Manager Transformation will play a pivotal role in driving this transformation. As a key member of the Transformation Management Office (TMO), you will lead innovation initiatives and manage change processes, ensuring the successful adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

In this dual-focused role, you will dedicate approximately 50% of your efforts to spearheading innovation and the remaining 50% to leading change management at scale. Your leadership in change management will be critical to aligning people, processes, and systems with evolving business needs—ensuring that transformation is not only implemented but embraced across the organization. You’ll enable teams to navigate complexity with clarity, reduce resistance, and build lasting momentum for change.

At the same time, you’ll drive next-generation innovation - fostering agility, unlocking new growth opportunities, and expanding into future-facing business models, customer segments, and strategic partnerships. Together, these efforts will help position Suntory at the forefront of the industry, shaping a resilient and forward-looking organization.

Role Responsibilities

Innovation Leadership (50%):
•    Manage Innovation Pipeline: Oversee the Need/Find/Test process with clearly defined gates, ensuring a structured approach to innovation from ideation to implementation.
•    Facilitate Ideation Sessions: Organize and lead creative workshops that generate bold, high-impact concepts - challenging existing business models, uncovering emerging trends, and addressing unmet needs or breakthrough technologies with the potential to reshape industries.
•    Collaborate with External Partners: Establish and maintain partnerships with accelerators, industry partners, and other external stakeholders to foster innovation and leverage external expertise.
•    Manage Prototypes and Pilots: Oversee the development and testing of prototypes and pilot projects, setting clear phases and targets, and providing recommendations for scaling and integration into the core business.
•    Cultivate an Innovative Culture: Promote a work environment that encourages creative thinking and the exploration of new ideas. Coordinate initiatives that bring external perspectives into the organization, such as hosting industry experts, attending relevant conferences, and conducting market research to inform innovation strategies.

Change Management (50%):
•    Develop and Refine Change Management Assessments: Create and enhance frameworks to assess organizational readiness and adoption challenges for major digital transformation initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and impact realization.
•    Strategic Communication & Engagement: Craft and deliver clear, compelling communication strategies for the D&T function, facilitating town halls and interactive forums that foster alignment, transparency, and engagement.
•    Embed Organizational Values Through Initiatives: Design and implement initiatives within these forums that bring core values—such as innovation—to life, ensuring they are actively embraced and reflected in day-to-day operations.
•    Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment: Identify key stakeholders, tailor messaging for diverse audiences, and ensure continuous alignment and collaboration throughout the transformation journey.
•    Leadership Enablement & Coaching: Support senior leaders in navigating change by providing coaching, insights, and frameworks that enhance their ability to drive transformation and inspire their teams.
 

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Business, Innovation Management, Organizational Development, or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.

• Professional Certifications: Certifications in Change Management (e.g., Prosci, CCMP) and Innovation Management are highly desirable

• Experience: A minimum of 7 years in roles focused on innovation and change management

• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to convey complex concepts and technologies in clear, simple terms to diverse audiences, facilitating understanding and engagement

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Demonstrated experience with venture initiatives or entrepreneurial projects, showcasing a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities

• Skills: Proven ability to lead innovation initiatives, manage complex change processes, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

The salary range for this role, based in New York, NY, is $140k - $170k along with an annual bonus, 401K match, profit sharing, and medical and wellness benefits. The salary range is commensurate with the candidate’s location, experience, and skillset.