Date: Jan 19, 2024
Location: Loretto, KY, US
Company: Beam Suntory
The role of Spirit Innovation Lead provides a platform for personal & professional development in a wide range of areas as this role will interact with many cross-functional partners within the organization which allows for potential career growth while supporting the Company’s needs. Liquid Innovation & quality are key components of our brand, and this role will focus on consistency, improvement & innovation to delight our consumers.
- Lead new-to-world innovation pipeline creation & activities, in-line with our Founder’s Vision and in partnership with other Maker’s Mark departmental teams & Global/centralized resources, to create & manage liquid innovation projects from concept to commercialization phase.
- Partner with Innovation Commercialization & Star Hill Farm teams to push boundaries and agricultural aspects related to Spirit Innovation, and be an active participant in academic partnerships & programs related to regenerative agriculture. Responsible for delivering medium-to-high level complexity projects on-time, in-full, at cost & quality
- - escalating project issues and opportunities at the correct moments throughout.
- Responsible for day-to-day lab inventory management, experimentation, sampling & lab batching.
- Must bring resilient, optimistic leadership for self & team to push through tacit resistance to liquid innovation, quality &/or continuous improvement ideas that this team drives.
- Proficient in laboratory analytical techniques, data analysis & project/timeline management, or willing to become proficient.
- Able to partner & influence a wide variety of stakeholders with effective communication of technical data with both internal & external stakeholders (Suppliers).
- May interact with Customers & Consumers, in a limited manner, at the Distillery.
- Effective and creative problem solver, capable of anticipating and working independently on projects and miscellaneous assignments.
- Able to be a meaningful owner – comfortable with responsibility for significant Innovation Leadership and results delivery.
- Supports and adhere to the job requirements for the department with regards to Quality, Food Safety, Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations and fully support the company IMS objectives and initiatives.
- Assist Innovation, Blending & Quality team with other projects as assigned. The Innovation & Blending Lead, will be expected to help shape the full scope of the role and responsibilities in coordination with the Sr. Manager, Innovation & Blending and the Head of Innovation, Blending & Quality.
Qualifications & Experience
- B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in Scientific, Technical, or related fields with specific Quality, Distillation, Maturation, Sensory &/or Processing experience a strong desire. Preferred with 2+ years of experience, or B.S. degree with 4+ years’ experience.
- Preferred experience in creating, planning, and executing research or innovation projects in highly complex plants and environments, to deliver on-time results.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely self-staring follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give & receive feedback for improvement – sometimes with difficult external partners.
- Ability to think & lead strategically, preform structured analysis of complex data, act ethically, and strong business/financial acumen.
- Preferred experience with team budgets, procurement procedures, material inventory management, manufacturing methods, multiple plant operations, and planning strategies.
- Preferred experience with some market, commercial, advocacy experience or understanding.
- Demonstrated experience working across and up, within the organization, gaining credibility amongst managers, peers, and other leadership with a cooperative & persuasive leadership style.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within Maker’s Mark & broader Beam Suntory.
- Team player with mentality to listen, partner & support broader team & cross-functional peers. A personal self-starter, who is flexible & comfortable working in unstructured fast-paced environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to travel domestically, to partner in project work with internal & external clients, as well as support implementation at Beam Suntory facilities – travel <25% between local KY operations, Chicago/NYC corporate offices, and balance of other locations.
- Role is 100% Distillery based, with some ability to work from home, as business needs allow.
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
- Sit, use hands and fingers, talk and hear
- Near and far vision correctable
- Climbing stairs
- Moderate lifting and carrying of 15 – 44 lbs.
- Reaching above shoulders
- Use of both legs
- Ability to recognize basic color, shades of color and depth perception
- Work Environment: The employee will encounter the following environmental factors while performing the job:
- Inside and outside activity
- Excessive heat, humidity, and dry atmospheric conditions
- Intermittent, excessive noise
- Slippery or uneven walking surfaces
- Working around moving objects, machinery and vehicles
- Working around electrical energy, abrasive chemicals, solvents (degreasing agents), grease and oils