100% Fish Business Innovation Specialist
Are you an innovator with a passion for sustainability?
Do you thrive on solving challenges and creating products that make a real impact?
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!
About Local Ocean & Our 100% Fish Initiative
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.
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.
Position Standards
The Seafood Innovation Specialist is expected to uphold the following professional standards:
• Innovation & Problem Solving Continuously develop creative, scalable solutions for seafood side-stream utilization.
• Collaboration & Communication Effectively engage with internal teams, industry partners, and potential buyers to drive product success.
• Project & Process Management Lead projects from concept to market launch, ensuring efficiency and documentation.
• Market & Business Acumen Maintain a strong understanding of seafood sustainability, food trends, and commercialization.
• Leadership & Team Development Train and oversee staff, ensuring high-quality production and process adherence.
• Adaptability & Initiative Navigate industry challenges by proactively adjusting strategies and identifying growth opportunities.
• Ethical & Sustainability Commitment Align all efforts with Local Ocean’s mission of sustainability, innovation, and financial growth.
Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, finance, engineering, product design, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, agriculture, or food production company.
• Proven expertise in new product development, from concept to commercialization.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable business outcomes on time in a team setting.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred:
• 5+ years in strategy, innovation consulting, or emerging business development.
• Strong background in market research, sales strategy, and project management.
• Experience in food manufacturing or seafood processing.
• Certifications in project management, product development, or related fields.
• Previous leadership experience in high-growth or rapidly evolving industries.
• Experience launching startups, new business units, or innovative product lines.
Compensation & Benefits
We are considering candidates that want Full Time employment, and also candidates that would like to do a start up contract with possibility of continuation. We are also flexible to considering fractional FTE on salary or contract.
Option 1: Salary Offer
• Salary Range: $65,000 – $95,000 per year (DOE)
• Bonuses & Profit Sharing (when applicable)
• 2 weeks flexible Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts on meals, retail, and DockBox meal kits
• Health Benefits: 70% employer-paid medical, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Work Location: Newport, Oregon
(75% on-site at the Yaquina Lab production facility and Central Coast Food Web co-working space)
• Regional Travel: Some travel required, including overnight stays
• Reports to: Local Ocean Founder, Laura Anderson
Option 2: Contract Offer
(4-month initial contract, with strong expectation of continuation based on performance):
• Pay: $25,000 – $30,000 for a four-month contract (or fractional pay for part-time arrangements)
• Generous Employee Discounts
• Reports to: Local Ocean Founder, Laura Anderson
Opportunities for Growth
This position offers significant career development in the rapidly evolving field of seafood innovation. As we continue to push the boundaries of 100% Fish utilization, this role will expand into:
• Leading future business ventures, exploring new markets, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
• Training employees in innovative seafood processing methods and product development.
• Developing new research and innovation teams within Local Ocean and beyond.
This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable seafood entrepreneurship, shaping the future of waste-free, high-value seafood production, while also integrating ideas and systems to meet Local Ocean’s Perpetual Purpose Trust goals as an employee-owned company.
How to Apply
Ready to revolutionize the seafood industry?
Submit your resume and a letter of interest to office@localocean.net by February 28, 2025.
Screening interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
