Joining King’s Hawaiian makes you part of our `ohana (family). We are a family-owned business for over seventy years, respecting our roots while thinking about our future as we continue to grow and care for our customers and the communities we serve. Our `ohana members build an environment of inclusivity as they freely collaborate, pursue learning through curiosity, and explore innovation as critical thinkers. Beyond that, we are also passionate about supporting the long-term health and well-being of our employees and their families. If you’re excited to rise with our team, come and join our `ohana!

Working under general supervision of the Innovation Discovery Leader, the MANAGER, INNOVATION DISCOVERY will act as a key driver in progressing innovation growth at King’s Hawaiian. A successful candidate will have strong foundational experience in consumer insights and innovation, while embracing creative methods in the field. They believe in radical consumer closeness, excel at cross-functional collaboration, and have a knack for uncovering insights that go beyond the surface to inspire winning solutions. They are adept at designing and managing research in a rapid, fast-paced environment. Employees in this position may interact with their leader as needed to receive guidance and feedback. Some non-routine activities may require their leader’s advance approval, but routine decisions within the general scope of the role may be made independently.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a key driver in progressing innovation growth at KING’S HAWAIIAN®.
• Champion a human-centered design approach and a culture of consumer-centricity
• Surface core research questions and design creative methodologies to address them
• Work collaboratively with experienced chefs, project managers, and food scientists
• Lead and moderate consumer research and collaborative workshops
• Synthesize meaningful insights that connect consumer needs to opportunities and solutions
• Utilize hypothesis-led approaches to discover, build, and test new product innovation
• Conduct prototype testing for the full product offering (product, positioning, naming, packaging).
• Promote an entrepreneurial mindset and rapid experimentation
• Represent the voice of the consumer in strategic discussions
• Champion best practices and continual improvement in research project management

BASIC AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, psychology, design and innovation, or similar field required.
• 5+ years of experience in consumer insights with proven experience in new product innovation.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (JOB SKILLS, ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE)

• Proficient in ethnographic / qualitative research.
• Proficient in hypothesis-led user testing.
• Proficient communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient in moderating ideation brainstorms.
• Proficient in project management.
• Proficient in managing and working with third party companies and consultants.
• Expert ability to muti-task and contribute to projects at the same time.
• Ability to travel up to 10%.
• Ability to activate and amplify aloha via King’s values of excellence, dignity, saying it like it is in a way it can be heard; and curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

Please note that King's Hawaiian operates in a hybrid environment where we are in the office Monday - Wednesday and remote on Thursday and Friday. However, due to the nature of Innovation work, there will be some Thursdays and Fridays in office needed.

The compensation range for this role is from $117,500 to $167,500 with an annual bonus.

 

King's Hawaiian is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our ohana.