Senior Manager, Innovation - Machine

SALARY:  $106,400-$133,000, bonus and long-term incentive eligible

COMPANY:  

We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA – America’s #1 top-selling beer – as well as Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Cutwater Spirits, and industry-leading craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. We are powered by a team that shares our passion to create a future with more cheers. Are you ready to join a team that dreams as big as you do? 
 

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Sr. Manager, Innovation – Machine is responsible for leading the end‑to‑end execution of innovation initiatives, translating brand strategies and business priorities into commercially viable products and in‑market activations. This role operates at the intersection of Marketing, Sales, Supply, Logistics, and Operations, with accountability for development, execution, cross‑functional alignment, and on‑time delivery of innovation projects. 

The position requires strong project leadership, brand storytelling, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence across functions to deliver innovation that drives growth and execution excellence. 

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES: 

Innovation Execution & Commercialization 

• Lead innovation projects from ideation through development, alignment, and commercialization, ensuring readiness across liquid, packaging, assets, and timing. 

• Drive disciplined execution through structured operating cadences, including scrums, tastings, and cross‑functional working sessions. 

• Ensure innovation initiatives meet quality, cost, timing, and execution standards prior to launch. 

Cross‑Functional Leadership 

• Coordinate and align internal partners across Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Procurement, Sales, and Wholesalers to remove barriers and maintain delivery momentum. 

• Act as the product owner for assigned innovation initiatives, ensuring field and commercial readiness. 

Commercial & Market Activation 

• Partner with commercial teams to support sampling strategies, launch plans, and in‑market activation tied to innovation programs. 

• Support priority brands and platforms through execution of flavor extensions, limited‑time offerings, and innovation launches. 

Financial & Performance Management 

• Manage innovation budgets and prioritize spend using performance metrics such as rate of sale, distribution, volume, and execution effectiveness. 

• Apply ROI‑driven decision-making to optimize investment across innovation initiatives. 

Stakeholder Influence & Communication 

• Build strong working relationships across internal teams and external partners to influence outcomes without direct authority. 

• Communicate progress, risks, and milestones clearly to stakeholders and leadership. 

Scope & Impact 

• Leads multiple cross‑functional innovation initiatives simultaneously, often under accelerated timelines. 

• Contributes directly to the successful launch and execution of high‑priority innovation programs. 

• Plays a critical role in connecting strategy to execution across the innovation pipeline. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Engineering, or a related field. MBA preferred.

• Must reside in St. Louis, MO and be in office 5 days a week.

• 5+ years of experience in innovation, brand marketing, commercial execution, or project management within a CPG.  

• Proven experience leading cross‑functional initiatives from concept through execution. 

• Strong understanding of commercialization, go‑to‑market execution, and innovation processes. 

• Innovation, commercialization and launch execution. 

• Cross‑functional leadership and influence. 

• Project and stakeholder management.

• Clear communication and execution discipline.

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills.

• Passion for Beer/Flavored Beer & New to the World brands.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in consumer-packaged goods, beverage, or adjacent industries. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to apply performance metrics to decision-making. 

WHY ANHEUSER-BUSCH: 

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years as a leading American manufacturer, Anheuser-Busch has delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As the nation’s top brewer, one of the fastest growing spirits companies, and an insurgent force in energy drinks, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only alcohol company that invests in the U.S. at this scale.   

BENEFITS: 

• Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness and Tax-Advantaged Savings and Spending Accounts 

• Life Insurance and Disability Income Protection 

• Generous Parental Leave and FMLA policies 

• 401(k) Retirement Savings options with a company matching contribution 

• Chance to work in a fast-paced environment among a company of owners 

• Free Beer!