THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you passionate about crafting the next generation of iconic spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails?
• Do you thrive at the intersection of technical mastery, creativity, and cross-functional leadership?
• Want to see your formulations go from benchtop to 15 million+ cases across North America?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Proximo Spirits, Inc., is a $1B+ American multinational alcoholic beverage company, with its headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey. It is a major distributor of tequila and other spirits, best known for Jose Cuervo, the world’s largest-selling tequila brand. With over 300 employees, the Lawrenceburg, IN facility (Proximo Distillers Indiana – PDI) bottles about 15 million cases a year for all of North America.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the Senior Manager – Product Development, the Lead Beverage Scientist will be responsible for benchtop development through commercialization of alcoholic beverages. This role will formulate new innovations, product optimizations, and cost-reduced formulas. Operations happen in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and requires deep technical knowledge, creativity, and cross-functional leadership.

Product Development & Formulation

• Work independently to formulate beverages across the Proximo portfolio, including global brands
• Lead formula optimization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Serve as a technical expert on high-proof spirits, low-alcohol beverages, and RTD formulations
• Champion sustainable product development practices and clean label innovation where applicable
• Manage formula cost models and support product margin targets through formula design

Commercialization & Technical Readiness

• Conduct plant trials, develop product specifications, and create BOMs for commercialization readiness
• Provide technical risk assessment related to new product development and line extensions
• Create SOPs and ensure proper documentation is maintained in internal databases and systems
• Manage filing and regulatory compliance documentation with the TTB

Ingredient & Vendor Management

• Qualify and approve alternative ingredient vendors
• Screen, develop, and maintain an internal flavor and ingredient library

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Marketing, Procurement, Finance, Engineering, Quality Control, and external partners such as vendors and copackers
• Lead cross-functional teams through product tastings and provide actionable technical recommendations

Sensory & Analytical Testing

• Support sensory evaluation programs and lead internal tastings using structured methods
• Establish and oversee protocols for shelf-life/stability studies; support analytical testing in collaboration with QC and R&D labs

Innovation & Industry Awareness

• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (e.g., non-thermal processing, flavor encapsulation, fermentation, etc.)
• Participate in trade shows and conduct competitive market analysis to stay abreast of trends and innovations

Lab & Safety Standards

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment and follow all safety protocols

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of experience in FMCG, ideally with a strong background in beverage formulation (including soft drinks, spirits, or RTDs)
• Open to both domestic and international travel (~15%)
• Strong olfactory and sensory acuity
• Familiarity with SAP (or related ERP system) and Bill of Materials (BOM)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to prioritize and lead projects independently and cross-functionally
• In-depth knowledge of beverage technology, processing techniques, and bottling/packaging principles
• Demonstrated influencing skills and technical leadership across teams
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliance, including TTB, FDA, CRT and international standards (e.g., EU/Canada/Asia)
• Proficiency with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems and formulation software (e.g., Genesis, SAP, Devex)
• Experience working with co-manufacturers and managing scale-up from lab to plant
• Ability to balance innovation with cost, quality, and feasibility
• Project management skills and familiarity with stage-gate innovation processes
• Strong data analysis skills to interpret stability, sensory, and shelf-life testing results

THE PAYOFF

Join a globally renowned leader in the spirits industry and the world’s largest tequila producer. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a significant impact and grow your career.

DIVERSITY/INCLUSION STATEMENT

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating the talent in our communities – and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ability, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or national origin. You don’t have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to reach out.