Sr Product Innovation Manager

Summary

The Sr. Product Innovation Manager is responsible for leading Server's new product development portfolio from concept through commercialization using a structured Stage-Gate process. This role serves as the business owner for new product initiatives, ensuring opportunities are strategically aligned, financially viable, operationally executable, and deliver meaningful value to foodservice operators.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Innovation & Opportunity Identification

• Identify and evaluate new product opportunities aligned with Server's strategic objectives
• Conduct market, customer, competitive, and industry research
• Lead the strategy, execution, and optimization of CRM-based lead generation and customer lifecycle marketing programs using Salesforce Marketing Cloud

Stage-Gate Process Leadership

• Own and manage Server's Product Management Process for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 projects
• Drive projects through all development phases from ideation through launch

Customer & Market Validation

• Conduct VOC research with operators, dealers, consultants, distributors, and end users
• Lead concept validation and customer testing activities
• Ensure product concepts align with Server's core customer value drivers

Business Case & Portfolio Management

• Develop and maintain business cases for new product initiatives
• Create revenue forecasts, pricing strategies, profitability analyses, and ROI models

Cross-Functional Product Development Leadership

• Lead cross-functional project teams through development and commercialization
• Participate in: design reviews, DFM reviews, tooling reviews, certification planning, risk assessments, pilot production activities

Commercialization & Launch Leadership

• Lead commercialization planning for all new product launches
• Coordinate development of: launch plans, marketing plans, sales plans, and training plans
• Ensure organizational readiness across Operations, Customer Experience, and Sales team

Product Lifecycle Management

• Conduct post-launch reviews and lessons learned
• Identify enhancement opportunities and portfolio expansion initiatives
• Support lifecycle management decisions including product revisions, extensions, and end-of-life planning

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or related field
• 7+ years of experience in Product Management, Product Innovation, New Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, or Commercial Leadership
• 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, CRM marketing, or marketing automation
• Experience operating within a formal Stage-Gate or structured product development process
• Preferred experience within foodservice equipment, restaurant technology, foodservice smallwares, beverage systems, dispensing systems, or adjacent commercial equipment industries

Job Skill Requirements

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Strong planning & organizational skills - excellent time management and multi-tasking skills
• Extremely strong critical thinker - able to see how decisions made today will impact the area, company and customer in the longer term
• Computer literate, with proficient functional knowledge of Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite

Server Products is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Server Products does not discriminate against any person due to any protected classes or characteristics. Our employment decisions are based only on valid, job-related requirements. We are committed to providing a workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect.