ABOUT POPPI
Soda's back. Like, actually back. The twist? It's better for you this time (and no lie, it tastes better, too)! Join the team that's reclaiming soda one mouthwatering drop at a time. Refreshing and juicy without unnecessary sugar, it's time to love soda again!
OUR VALUES
- We keep it real: We keep our egos in check and our feedback honest so we can always stay real. You know, like our ingredients.
- We are creators: We're disruptors who see and do things differently, which is why we changed the soda game forever.
- We do it better, together: We're better when we do together. We have one shot to become the #1 soda, so we need to make it count (while taking care of each other along the way).
LOCATION
This is a hybrid position working from our lab and HQ in Austin, Texas.
THE ROLE
poppi is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Director of New Product Development with a strong track record of managing end-to-end development and commercialization of new products in partnership with internal and external partners. This role requires a candidate with strong leadership and project management skills to work in a dynamic and hyper-growth environment.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead the end-to-end development and commercialization of new products; oversee the entire product development life cycle, manage the NPD timelines, and communicate with multiple stakeholders.
- Cultivate talent and mentor the team on the hands-on development of new beverage applications and improvement of existing products; promote continuous learning and professional growth of the team members.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Center of Excellence in Austin, ensuring continuous upgrade of equipment, processes, and systems to efficiency and effectiveness; develop SOPs for all testing and processes.
- Roll up the sleeves and actively support the team on product development, sample preparation, quality issue investigation, production trials, and day-to-day operations.
- Partner with the scientists and establish a scientific understanding of ingredients (sweeteners, acids, flavors, fiber) and their interaction with the beverage system. Scout for new ingredients and technologies and manage flavor, ingredients, and tech radar.
- Set and achieve annual department goals and utilize KPIs to monitor and enhance team performance while implementing best practices.
- Establish, manage, and report budget on a regular cadence to ensure optimal department growth.
- Partner, source, and manage ingredients, flavors, and equipment for product development; collaborate with a network of 3rd party flavor houses and University R&D partner teams on flavor technology, ingredient research, and market insights.
- Manage partnerships with universities on sensory, shelf-life, and in-depth research studies and report progress and decisions to stakeholders promptly.
- Determine functional performance and sensory properties of ingredients in finished products using industry-established analytical and sensory tools.
- Create and document finished goods formulas for costing and production and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
- Employ in-house lab or external analytical lab partners to collect data on nutritional content, shelf-life, packaging testing, micro testing, etc., and make recommendations.
- Travel to ingredient and product suppliers for innovation sessions and prototype trials as needed.
- Work cross-functionally with operations, marketing, and sales teams to supply prototype samples as needed.
- Collaborate with the QA department to ensure that the commercial-ready formulas are consistent from a sensory and food safety perspective.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Strategic and data-driven approach to developing best-in-class products.
- Excellent communication, partnership, and data management skills.
- Experience working in a high-growth environment where decisions are made swiftly, and priorities shift throughout the day.
- Extensive Project Management experience involving timeline management, communication with internal and external stakeholders, and successful project implementation.
- Experience in developing and commercializing food and beverage applications – soft drinks, energy drinks, enhanced waters, teas, etc.
- In-depth understanding of the requirements and implications of beverage processing: pasteurization, aseptic, cold fill.
- Financial understanding of budgets, costing, KPIs, etc.
- Advanced problem-solving and evaluation capabilities and a proven record of delivering timely results.
- Excellent collaborator with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Highly organized with a strong attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
- Capable of quickly learning and adapting to new technologies.
YOUR BACKGROUND
- Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
- PMP or relevant project management experience preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in food or beverage industry, preferably in beverage application development and management.
- Technology proficient with the Microsoft Office, NetSuite, PowerBI, and Formulation Management Software.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to travel up to 20% by plane and car to domestic or international sites.
- Valid driver's license.
- Some lifting and the movement of moderate loads require 50-pound lifting requirement.
- Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally working evenings and weekends as needed for special assignments.
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of the job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some incumbents assigned to the job to perform a different combination of duties.
COMPENSATION
Our comprehensive compensation package plays a big part in how we recognize you for the impact you have on our path to achieving our mission. For this role, the estimated base salary range is between $145,000 - $155,000. The actual base salary will vary based on various factors, including market and individual qualifications objectively assessed during the interview process. The listed range above is a guideline, and the base salary range for this role may be modified.
BENEFITS
poppi offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including, but not limited to:
- Bonus
- Paid Time Off (3 weeks)
- 10 Paid Company Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
- Flexible Spending Account Plan
- 401(k) Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Life Insurance
- Technology Allowance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Quarterly poppi Product Benefit
At poppi, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.
poppi is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.
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