Innovation Specialist

Our CompanyCongo Brands is at the epicenter of where consumer demand meets product development. Through brand partnerships with lead influencers, we are afforded an inside look at what consumers truly desire. Congo Brands is a health and wellness brand that sells supplements, fitness snacks, hydration drinks, energy drinks, and more through e-commerce and retail partnerships. Congo Brands houses some of the world's most noted brands including Alani Nu, Prime Hydration, and 3D Energy. Congo Brands is on pace to become one of the world's most noted consumer product companies, with revenue growth increasing exponentially year over year. Congo Brand's goal is to be the go-to 'Better for You Brand' for everything from ready-to-drink beverages, snacks, supplements and more.

The Role:The Innovation Specialist will support our expansion in the Beverage, Nutrition, and Personal Care products. In this role you will apply your experience to aid in collaborations with manufacturers, regulators, suppliers, and testing laboratories.

This role is on-site at our Louisville, KY headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a key technical contributor in the development of new or existing products under the Congo Brands portfolio: Alani Nu, Prime Hydration, 3D Energy, and more!
• Daily coordination outgoing sample deliveries, receipt of daily sample shipments, and organization of Innovation/Packaging storerooms accordingly
• Conduct internal product sampling/sensory testing panels multiple times a week
• Communicate with outside vendors regarding Innovation sample feedback and project priorities
• Actively participate in meetings with internal development teams, third party contract manufacturers/formulation labs and flavor/fragrance houses
• Implement, and maintain quality, safety, and efficacy standards for all products
• Execute vendor qualification criteria
• Work closely with Product Development, Regulatory Affairs and Marketing and Regulatory Affairs leadership to support marketing initiatives and brand assets
• Other duties as required

Key Skills and Experience Preferred:

• Education: BS of Food Science, Chemistry or related fields
• 4-5 years in Laboratory or CPG Innovation background preferred
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to thrive in team-oriented collaborative environment.
• Has a demonstrated passion that align with the core values of Congo Brands.
• Experience with NetSuite a plus

Benefits & Perks:

• Competitive Salary
• Health/Vision/Dental Benefits
• 15 days of PTO + 8 paid holidays
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• AND SO MUCH MORE!

#PRIME

Congo Brands, LLC. Is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other classification protected by Federal, state, or local law