Investment Manager

President, Head of Investment - Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation

Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, LLC, is an investment fund launched in 2023 by Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. Located in San Francisco, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation provides funding to US startups that have attractive beverage brands that demonstrate strong future growth potential. Additionally, Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation invests in startups developing technologies that can enable new sales approaches and innovative manufacturing methods.

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd. is a global leader offering a diverse collection of brands centered on beer, alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and food. Our mission is to deliver on our great taste promise and bring more fun to life. Established in Japan in 1889, the Group has always been committed to innovation and quality. This dedication has brought together iconic brands and the expertise of renowned breweries from around the world, including those with a rich heritage spanning over centuries. Our approach has culminated in a globally recognized portfolio of brands that includes premium beers such as Asahi Super Dry, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Kozel, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Investment Manager to join our investment team and contribute to sourcing, evaluating, and managing investments in innovative beverage startups. This role leverages strong analytical skills and market insight to drive growth and shape the future of our Global business.

You will gain direct exposure to investment decisions, portfolio strategy, and have the opportunity to build relationships with founders and industry leaders in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical capabilities, a passion for consumer innovation, and a deep understanding of the beverage alcohol landscape.

• Employment Type: Full-time position
• Status: FLSA Exempt
• Reports to: President, Head of Investment
• Primary work location: San Francisco
• Workplace Type: Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze consumer, category, and market trends to develop investment theses.
• Identify high-potential startup targets and proactively build deal flow.
• Build and maintain relationships across VC and startup communities to support pipeline development and company visibility.
• Determine the qualitative and quantitative information required at each diligence stage.
• Develop financial forecasts, valuation models, and sensitivity analyses.
• Provide recommendations on deal structure, supported by cap table analysis, returns modeling, and strategic fit.

Investment Case Development

• Prepare comprehensive investment cases and present recommendations to the Investment Committee.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders to align proposed investments with long‑term strategic objectives.
• Monitor portfolio company performance and serve as Board Observer or Board Director as appropriate.
• Build strong working relationships with founders and investor partners.
• Support strategic and operational planning with portfolio teams to drive long‑term growth.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be evaluated on the ability to consistently identify emerging trends, source and execute high‑potential investment startup opportunities, and build a strong, credible presence for AGBI within the venture and founder communities. Performance will be measured by the quality and rigor of investment analyses, including financial modeling, due diligence, and the development of clear, compelling business cases that support sound decision‑making. Additionally, success will be reflected in the strength of relationships built with portfolio companies, the effectiveness of strategic guidance provided as a board participant, and the measurable contribution to both near‑term portfolio growth and the long‑term investment strategy of the organization.

Qualifications

• MBA from a top‑tier program (or equivalent experience in investment or strategy roles).
• 3–5 years of experience in investment banking, consulting, private equity, or operating roles in CPG or beverage alcohol.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools.
• Understanding of the venture capital ecosystem, especially early‑ and growth‑stage investing (corporate docs, NVCA templates).
• Familiarity with the food and beverage industry, including beverage alcohol (e.g., regulatory frameworks such as three tier system, distribution models, consumer trends).
• Deep interest in consumer trends and innovation in the beverage space.
• Experience in or exposure to venture capital, corporate strategy, or innovation teams is a plus.
• Experience operating in international educational or business environments is a plus.

Key Capabilities

• Analytical Rigor – Ability to synthesize complex data and make sound investment recommendations.
• Strategic Thinking – Capable of balancing short‑term execution with long‑term vision.
• Curiosity & Market Awareness – Passion for discovering emerging trends and understanding consumer behavior.
• Relationship Building – Skilled at developing trust‑based relationships with founders and internal and external stakeholders – both domestic and international.
• Adaptability – Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Communication Excellence – Clear, persuasive, and confident in both written and verbal formats.
• Integrity & Judgment – High ethical standards and sound decision‑making under pressure.
• Team Orientation – Collaborative mindset with a willingness to support others and learn continuously.

Other

• Able to travel 20-25% for industry events, founder meetings, and portfolio support.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What We Offer

• Direct impact on strategy and exposure to investment decisions and portfolio strategy.
• Opportunity to shape the future of beverage innovation with a global beverage industry leader.
• Global career opportunities in the mid‑to‑long term with a rapidly growing company.
• Highly attractive compensation and benefits package.
• A mission‑driven team with deep industry roots and a collaborative culture.

Asahi Group Beverages & Innovation, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any aspect of employment, including hiring, salary, promotion, discipline, termination, and benefits, on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, disability (including physical handicap), or any other improper criterion.

The company will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with applicable laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.