Director, Innovation Projects; Product Development

Director, Innovation Projects (Product Development)

The Director, Innovation Projects at La Colombe will be responsible for defining and driving the dispensed cold brew vision to build a best in industry product system. Specifically, this role will oversee the strategy, the design, the build and role-out of the company’s cold brew dispensing equipment and product assortment. This leader will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, supply chain, marketing, and sales, to create a superior cold brew customer value proposition.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in design or engineering, some experience in product management, a passion for beverages, and a commitment to delivering exceptional, innovative customer experiences.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive equipment and product strategy for the on-tap product category to drive growth and market differentiation
• Monitor industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities for product innovation
• Set clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for on-tap offerings, ensuring alignment with company goals

Product Development & Quality Assurance:

• Collaborate with customer facing teams to understand customer needs and consumer preferences and build in machine specifications
• Find, vet and onboard with 3rd party firms to design and build innovative equipment systems
• Collaborate with production and R&D teams to create and refine on-tap products
• Partner with sustainability teams to integrate environmentally friendly practices into the on-tap product lifecycle

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee the supply chain and distribution for on-tap dispensing machines
• Optimize operational efficiencies for retail team, including machine cleaning , storage, and maintenance
• Implement systems for tracking performance metrics like customer experience and usage
• Partner with marketing teams to craft compelling brand stories and promotional campaigns for on-tap products
• Train sales teams and distributors on the features, benefits, and unique selling points of on-tap beverages
• Act as the primary point of contact for key accounts and partners, addressing their needs and fostering long-term relationships

Leadership & Team Development:

• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication across departments

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, STEM, Industrial Design, Product Management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent experience preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in product design, machine engineering, product strategy, or a similar role, preferably in the food & beverage industry or CPG
• Demonstrated experience in developing and launching successful products
• Expertise in food service and contract managed services, Food equipment and technology, product development, P&L management, and sales are all a plus

Skills:

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management, innovation processes, and market research

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk, and creamers – Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives.

Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages  2025, Chobani acquired Daily Harvest, a modern brand offering consumers nutritious,…