This is an exciting C-Level Executive leadership opportunity to take full accountability for a dynamic, innovative and growing mission-driven branded plant-based product portfolio. You will oversee a world-class beverage Research, Development, and Manufacturing platform. You will also be charged with driving the growth, positioning, and innovation pipeline of the company’s owned premium products across DTC eCommerce, retail, and foodservice channels. The company also owns and operates a world class low-acid aseptic beverage co-manufacturing plant. This role demands a rare blend of operational rigor, strategic creativity, and commercial acumen. You must bring a deep understanding of food and beverage commercialization, a passion for building high-performing teams and culture, and a strong branded CPG mindset to grow long-term enterprise value. You will be the driving force behind business growth, financial performance, customer partnerships, product innovation, and brand success. Your key responsibilities will include: • Own the vision, voice, and strategy of the company’s branded product portfolio across DTC eCommerce, retail, and foodservice channels. • Drive end-to-end innovation cycles, from consumer insights to concept development, formulation, commercialization, and market launch. • Steer long-term brand value creation by balancing product artistry, margin discipline, and channel diversification. • Develop and execute growth strategies rooted in consumer insights, brand architecture, GTM strategy, pricing, and eCommerce. • Lead and inspire a high-trust, mission-driven team of marketers, innovators, and creatives to deliver breakthrough performance. • Own full P&L accountability, driving revenue growth and cost management through rigorous financial planning, forecasting, and performance management. • Build scalable platforms that support both creative storytelling and disciplined performance marketing. • Build and maintain a high-efficiency culture across all manufacturing and operational departments through strong floor presence and cross-functional leadership. • Expand strategic partnerships and revenue through collaboration with Business Development, Sales, and Marketing teams. • Lead employee relations with a balance of empathy, fairness, and operational discipline. • Champion technical excellence in beverage manufacturing processes while supporting innovation and scientific advancement. • Work in a true partnership with the company’s family ownership within alignment of the company’s mission, governance, legacy and multi-generational vision. Desired Skills & Experiences: • Strong strategic and commercial background in branded CPG, plant-based products, or food tech industries. • Deep leadership expertise overseeing complex beverage, food manufacturing or CPG operations. • Demonstrated ability to launch and scale branded products in dynamic or complex markets. • Proven success managing complex operations with significant P&L responsibility, preferably in a co-manufacturing or contract manufacturing environment. • Strong financial acumen with experience in cost-structure management, pricing strategy, and long-range planning. • Exceptional ability to manage through ambiguity while maintaining a focus on company vision execution, team development, and customer success. • Humble, mission-driven, and capable of building lasting alignment with a deeply experienced and loyal team. • BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related Scientific or Engineering field. • MBA strongly preferred. Please note, this is a full-time position based in a company headquarters and manufacturing plant location. It is required to be based onsite in the Buffalo, NY location. Company Description This position is within a Buffalo Area natural products and nutritional foods spinoff company backed by a major CPG, Dairy and Nutritional Products Manufacturer. It is an incredible opportunity to get on board within an ultra-innovative, fast paced and friendly entrepreneurial environment with an exciting portfolio of new product launches.