Director of Product Innovation, Food & Beverage CPG
Overview
You will own the innovation pipeline at Insomnia Cookies, a 300-store bakery and delivery brand. You will build the stage-gate process from scratch to take ideas from napkin sketch to national launch, spanning cookies, beverages, ice cream, and partnerships. You will report to the Chief Marketing Officer and partner with Marketing, Culinary, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Development. This is a builder role where you will lead hands-on execution, own the P&L, and set the multi-year innovation roadmap. You will also manage a lean team and champion a culture of craftsmanship and hospitality.
What You'll Do10
- 1Build the stage-gate process from scratch, defining clear go/no-go criteria, owners, and timelines for every stage.
- 2Own the innovation pipeline end to end, from concept through launch, for core products, beverages, partnerships, and product-adjacent work like packaging and equipment.
- 3Drive partnerships that unlock new products, flavors, formats, and audiences, working with Marketing and external partners to create culturally relevant launches.
- 4Set the multi-year product innovation strategy, including limited editions, LTOs, and new occasions and channels.
- 5Manage the product innovation budget and P&L, with accountability for ROI and commercial performance.
- 6Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure products are scalable, profitable, and operationally sound.
- 7Lead the team by staying close to the work, jumping into kitchens, data, and decision rooms to keep ideas moving.
- 8Stay ahead of category trends and consumer insight to prioritize the innovation pipeline and identify opportunities to lead.
- 9Protect and build the brand, ensuring every product and partnership decision reinforces Insomnia's identity as the leader in late-night indulgence.
- 10Champion an innovation culture rooted in craft, curiosity, and hospitality, living the 'Always Warm' values.
Requirements9
- 110+ years of product innovation, culinary, or product development leadership experience in multi-unit food/beverage, QSR, or bakery/retail.
- 2Direct experience building a stage-gate process from the ground up.
- 3Track record of leading teams and owning a P&L.
- 4Deep expertise in concept development, food science, sensory evaluation, and scaled production.
- 5Experience partnering with senior leadership to translate strategy into execution.
- 6Portfolio of successful national product launches in a fast-growing brand.
- 7Comfort balancing culinary craft with consumer insight and market data.
- 8Formal culinary training (CIA, JWU, or equivalent) is a strong plus.
- 9Passion for hospitality and building products people crave.
Salary Insight
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