Innovation Brand Manager

innovation Brand ManagerReports To: VP, CommercialLocation: Hybrid, East BostonThe Mission:We’re looking for an Innovation Brand Manager to help lead the next wave of growth at Downeast. You will own the development, testing, and launch of new beverage brands, from early concept through in-market pilots. This is a cross-functional, fast-moving role that blends creativity and business acumen. You’ll thrive here if you love building from scratch, thinking strategically, and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty to make big ideas real.JobResponsibilities:Identify OpportunitiesMonitor trends, consumer behavior shifts, and competitor activityIdentify whitespace opportunities and translate them into actionable ideas for new products or brandsDevelop ConceptsTurn insights into compelling brand and product conceptsCollaborate with creative and R&D teams to shape the core idea, flavor direction, and brand identityBuild Testable ProductsLead the development of new products, including creative direction, packaging design, pricing, and go to market strategyPartner with R&D and Ops to turn concepts into real, shelf-ready productsTest in MarketDesign in-market pilot strategiesLaunch tests quickly and efficiently, balancing speed with actionable learningTrack PerformanceUse both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate product and brand performanceMonitor consumer feedback, velocity, and trade responseMake RecommendationsDeliver clear, data-backed recommendations on each test (kill, adjust, or scale)Qualifications:Must have1-3 years of experience in either consulting or salesComfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environmentExceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively across functions and organizationsAbility to effectively manage projects from start to finishGood judgment and taste (ability to identify good ideas and know what looks / sounds good and what doesn’t)Nice to have…Proficient with consumer research and syndicated dataProduct development experience (including creative design)What we offer:- Unlimited paid time off- Paid holidays- 401k with 4% company match- Health and dental insurance- Company provided short term disability insurance- Computer Stipend- Company-wide celebrations, including a summer offsite and holiday party- Cider allowance (how big is your fridge)All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, conducted after a conditional job offer has been made.Candidates will have the opportunity to review and respond to any findings. About Downeast CiderWe aspire to build an enduring company with a world-class brand, known as an extraordinary place to work. It’s been 15 years since our first batches of unfiltered cider were fermented in the dorms of Bates College, Maine, and while we’ve gained 115 new teammates and 1.6 million cases of tasty drinks - with a growing assortment beyond cider - we remain 100% founder-owned. We’re a scrappy team that enjoys the hard work of creating a company because we get to work on fun things with people we like.We like to hire the way we like our cider, unfiltered. With the understanding that we can learn and grow from each other’s differences, we are proud to hire regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, or anything else that makes us who we are. Apply tot his job