Senior Product Development Manager

Sazerac Company•Frankfort, KY

2d•$128,985 - $193,477•Onsite

About The Position

The Product Development Manager – BuzzBallz leads and coordinates all BuzzBallz-related new product development (NPD) initiatives across domestic and international markets. This role is responsible for driving disciplined project execution, coordinating technical feasibility assessments, and ensuring strong cross-functional alignment throughout the commercialization process. The position supports company growth by enabling efficient innovation, minimizing execution risk, and aligning Texas-based R&D resources to high-value strategic initiatives. The role works closely with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Procurement, Brand, and Commercial teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related scientific field
15+ years of experience in product development, commercialization, manufacturing, or operations within the distilled spirits, beverage alcohol, food, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry
5+ years of leadership or supervisory experience leading technical teams and cross-functional projects
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong sensory aptitude

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting new business development (NBD), commercialization, and production scale-up initiatives
Experience with sensory evaluation programs or analytical testing
Experience leading innovation within the beverage alcohol or ready-to-drink (RTD) category

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate BuzzBallz-related NPD initiatives from concept through commercialization.
Support the NBD process through technical feasibility assessments, project governance, stage-gate readiness, and cross-functional alignment to ensure successful execution of domestic and global innovation projects.
Provide responsive technical support and clear communication to internal stakeholders supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit, including Brand, Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement, and Commercial teams.
Ensure projects are executed efficiently, risks are communicated proactively, and commercialization activities support business objectives and consumer expectations.
Ensure all BuzzBallz formulations, commercialization activities, and project documentation comply with company standards and all applicable regulatory, safety, and legal requirements across domestic and international markets.
Ensure accurate documentation, traceability, and regulatory alignment throughout the product lifecycle.
Drive consistency and continuous improvement in BuzzBallz project governance, technical reviews, stage-gate processes, and commercialization workflows.
Support initiatives that improve execution efficiency, strengthen NBD rigor, reduce late-stage project risk, and optimize prioritization of high-value innovation opportunities supporting the BuzzBallz Business Unit.