Associate Manager, Strategy

Company Description

You may know us as FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, JUSTIN Wine, Teleflora, and Wonderful Halos, but we’re all Wonderful.

Wonderful Strategy Group (WSG) is a team of over 20 strategy professionals committed to delivering high-impact results for the businesses in our portfolio. As an Associate Manager, Strategy, you will collaborate with executive leaders to tackle their business’ most pressing challenges and drive critical strategic, commercial, operational and technological initiatives. With a diverse team experienced in consulting, agriculture, commercialization, operations, and finance, WSG works closely with company leaders to develop growth strategies, enhance operational and technological efficiencies, and foster the long-term health of their organizations. We also regularly partner with Marketing, Brand, Insights, and other functions to grow demand for our products and drive commercial growth.

With a focus on our Kern County valley-based operations, the Associate Manager, Strategy will tackle complex, ambiguous, and analytical problems and drive critical strategic, commercial, operational, technological, and organizational initiatives. Forming robust and enduring partnerships with company leadership and C-level executives and help drive the future of The Wonderful Company.

This role is based in Bakersfield, CA and will be required in office on a hybrid work schedule. Monday-Wednesday in office and the option to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.

Job Description

• Navigate and solve problems in ambiguous situations, taking initiative to explore and identify solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Support the development and execution of sophisticated strategic plans.
• Lead key commercial growth, operational, technological, and organizational improvements.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with leadership at operating companies.
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize work.
• Collaborate across functions and groups (e.g., Insights, Marketing, Operations) to drive growth and reduce waste.
• Participate in ongoing skill development and leadership training.
• Manage and mentor internal team members (depending on experience).
• Travel as needed for direct collaboration with business partners.

Travel Required: Occasional travel to San Joaquin Valley (Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno Counties), Los Angeles, Napa, Sonoma, and San Luis Obispo Counties. These day trips can be up to ~20% of the time (1 day per week).

Professional Development: At WSG, we place a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth. Our team benefits from regular, engaged mentorship from senior members and access to comprehensive training programs. These opportunities are designed to expand your skills in solving complex business challenges, strategizing for change, business partner engagement, and securing stakeholder buy-in.

Career Advancement: The Strategy Group serves as a key talent source for leadership roles within our businesses. Alumni of our team have advanced to diverse leadership positions in general management, e-commerce, marketing, operations, finance, and R&D.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-6 years’ experience in top tier CPG, manufacturing, winery, food/beverage processing, or farming operations
• Domain expertise achieved through a mixture of education and work experience in any of the following fields: food/beverage processing, agronomy, viticulture/enology, continuous improvement, food science, ag credit, food/ag-focused private equity, agtech, or similar
• Ability to coordinate and drive momentum in multifunctional teams
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, especially in ambiguous or undefined situations. Ability to translate problem-solving process to written presentations
• Proactive, self-starter with a track record of taking initiative
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective partnerships across all levels of organization
• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive extensively and operate autonomously in rural areas throughout the Central Valley
• MBA or relevant graduate degree from a leading program highly preferred
• Fluent or conversational Spanish highly valued

Pay Range: $110,000 - $140,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

Additional Information

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including: 
  • 24/7 online physician consultations 
  • virtual men