Innovation Manager (Maternity Cover)

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.

Innovation Manager (Maternity Cover)  

The following position is is open in Scotland, United Kingdom.

What makes this a great opportunity?

The Scotch Gin Irish Brand House Innovation team are responsible for global product and pack development for a suite of single malt Scotch whisky brands (Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan), as well as international innovations for our Gin and Irish Whisky brands. Specifically, this Innovation Manager role will assist the Global Single Malt Innovation Leader - responsible for Single Malts / Blended Scotch innovations - in the delivery of the 3yr innovation pipeline, as well as oversee and deliver SEED TO SIP gate submissions and associated innovation processes in the Brand House. Part of this role will also be to optimize all local processes, ensure compliance across all innovation projects in the Brand House, and identify opportunities to improve how projects are implemented. 

This is a great opportunity for someone who is keen to understand more about our innovation strategy and be part of the Core Team who are responsible for bringing these innovations to market.

Role Responsibilities

• To support the Global Single Malt Innovation Leader and ensure the flawless administration of all innovation projects
• To ensure the correct application of all Beam Suntory innovation processes and standards across the Brand House 
• To also ensure all project materials submitted by the Brand House into the SEED TO SIP process are of the highest quality
• Utilize superb project management skills to plan and prioritize overall team resources and execute a broad variety of projects according to agreed timelines and budget constraints
• Coordinate cross functional, multi-market teams under the direction of the Global Lead to deliver projects efficiently and effectively, from initial ideation, through concept development, liquid and packaging design, to commercialization in market
• Preparation of Monthly Innovation Review document for review by Senior Brand Directors
• Coordination with Finance team to build P&Ls in time for the Innovation review and SEED TO SIP fortnightly submissions
• Input of projects and task completions in Planisware (project management system)
• Creation of key action and timeline summaries for Global Lead and Brand Teams as part of regular 121s
• Assist development of 3yr Pipeline review process with Brand, S&OP and GC teams to provide continual tracking/planning – detailing type of innovation, timings, volumes, NSV estimates etc
• Full project management of ‘lite’ and smaller product development projects – e.g. Annual releases.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level with 4yrs work-related experience, 1 of which should be in the drinks industry 
• Impeccable organisational skills with a resilient, positive mental attitude
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural, cross functional organization
• Empathetic people skills spanning many nationalities and differing attitudes  
• Ability to flex to suit business priorities
• Proven PM skills managing a number of business critical projects
• Self starter, flexible comfortable working in unstructured environment, and able to manage multiple priorities effortlessly
• Proactive way of working and ability to work remotely and independently from stakeholders and colleagues in a matrix organization
• Ability to operate under pressure in a fast paced business environment
• Project management software skills (Planisware or equivalent)
• Conflict resolution/team working in a highly matrixed environment
• Agency/outside partner management
• Good verbal and written English
• Close attention to detail and outstanding process management / development skills
• Passionate and determined, committed to delivering projects on-time and above expectations

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.