Company description

Local Ocean is the premier seafood dining destination on the Oregon Coast, known for our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We process 100,000 pounds of whole fish annually, generating significant seafood byproducts like fish heads, bones, frames, skin, and guts.

Through our 100% Fish Initiative, we aim to eliminate waste by repurposing these byproducts into marketable goods—fueling business growth while improving financial returns for our employee-owners and fisherfolk. This is an opportunity to be on the cutting edge of sustainable seafood innovation with a company that values both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity.

Job description

Local Ocean Seafoods is seeking a Business Innovation Specialist to lead the development of new seafood byproducts, transforming processing side-streams into high-value products that drive revenue and sustainability. This role is critical to our mission of becoming the first 100% Fish restaurant in the U.S. and generating at least $500,000 in new product sales by 2030.

Our ideal candidate has experience in product development, market research, and business growth, particularly in high-growth food, seafood, or sustainability-driven industries. If you're ready to push boundaries, test ground-breaking ideas, and collaborate with innovators locally and globally, we want you on our team!

Key Responsibilities
Industry Engagement & Collaboration

• Become proficient in the global 100% Fish culture by engaging with thought leaders, attending virtual and in-person industry events, and collaborating with innovators.

• Build relationships with key partners, including the Icelandic Ocean Cluster, Oregon Ocean Cluster, Central Coast Food Web, and Oregon Food Hub Network, to leverage resources and market access.

Market Research & Product Development

• Conduct competitive analysis and identify market opportunities for fish processing by-products.

• Lead the research, testing, and refinement of two initial product concepts, ensuring scalability and profitability.

• Develop product roadmaps, covering manufacturing processes, packaging, branding, and distribution.

Manufacturing & Production

• Train Local Ocean staff on core manufacturing processes, ensuring quality control and adherence to best practices.

• Oversee production workflows and optimize efficiencies for scaling new products.

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute branding, packaging, and market launch strategies for 100% Fish products.

• Identify and engage potential partners for licensing, co-branding, co-packing, and white-label agreements.

• Set and track sales targets, ensuring alignment with business growth goals.

Funding & Revenue Growth

• Identify and apply for grants, impact investment opportunities, and alternative funding sources to support program and product development.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, production efficiency, and market impact.

• Present findings and business development progress to Local Ocean leadership, staff, and partners.

Visit our website to see the full job description and how to apply https://www.localocean.net/go-deep/fish-business-innovation-specialist

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

February 28, 2025