The Innovation Analyst plays a pivotal role in advancing Sysco’s innovation agenda via the Cutting-Edge Solutions (CES) platform ($125M-250M) and related assortment initiatives. Under the leadership of the Senior Manager of Innovation, the role will support product innovation and lifecycle management through strategic analysis, inventory oversight, and cross-functional collaboration with stakeholders to accelerate growth. This role supports internal communications, process and timeline tracking, and post-launch performance evaluation, while ensuring all program documentation and timelines are current. The role will work closely with Merchandising, Marketing, Sales, Culinary, Digital, Supply Chain Operations, and Air Traffic Control to ensure alignment, accelerated growth, and maintain program accuracy, communication and momentum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, innovation, or related field
• Minimum 1-3+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience with project management, product launches and/or innovation development
• Experience in food service, CPG, or B2B industries preferred but not required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to synthesize research and turn it into actionable insights.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, or equivalent).
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
• Detail-oriented with a bias for execution and continuous improvement.
• Takes initiative and proactive approach in problem-solving and achieving goals.
• Demonstrates strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with a flexible and proactive mindset; willing to step into roles needed to support team success and business priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid role based in Houston; some potential travel for events, suppliers, or innovation activations.
  NOTICE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the environment and level of work being performed by this job. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only tasks to be performed by the employee in this job. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his or her supervisor

• Oversee products from conception to maturity. Utilize success guardrails, sales metrics, internal and external insights and reporting to identify life cycle status and support.
• Manage end-to-end inventory operations from the initial launch phase to full alignment with program compliance standards, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and adherence to evolving policies.
• Support successful, on-time product launches by managing supplier data, tracking tools, and project documentation including timelines, status reports and post-launch evaluations.
• Coordinate high-impact events and deliverables including product cuttings, showcases, sample distribution, and National Account Meetings to ensure seamless execution and cross-functional alignment.
• Prepare and maintain accurate stakeholder communications and reports to support informed decision-making, cross-functions, coordination, and business growth.
• Support program governance by organizing meetings, compiling KPI reports, and identifying opportunities for process improvements across CES and other innovation initiatives.
• Oversee invoicing of program participation fees and high-level management of budget, to deliver accurate and timely financial updates to internal stakeholders.