Head of Innovation – Meat, Cheese, Coffee & Snacking
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
Job Description
The Head of Innovation MCCS leads the development and execution of the Business Units innovation strategy across Meat Cheese Coffee and Snacking. This role translates the 3-Year Strategy (3YS) and consumer/market insights into a prioritized innovation agenda that delivers pipeline performance and advances growth margin and incrementality goals. The role also ensures strong innovation sufficiency governance and prioritization routines across the BU and Zone and serves as a subject matter expert and coach for MCCS platforms without dedicated innovation resources. This role reports to the Business Unit President Meat Cheese Coffee & Snacking.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Translate the BU 3-Year Strategy (3YS) and foundational insights across business segments into a clear category/brand-led innovation strategy and roadmap.
- Identify key consumer and market learning needs; partner with Consumer Insights & Strategy (CIS) to build and execute a learning plan that closes critical insight gaps.
- Build process-capable innovation in close partnership with Marketing CIS Category/Sales and Supply Chainprioritizing solutions that leverage existing network capabilities and capacity.
- Partner with business and sales teams to develop compelling retailer sell-in stories strategies and plans that bring the innovation agenda to life.
- Drive pipeline performance against growth margin and incrementality objectives with clear tracking and routines.
- Lead innovation and renovation deliverables to the Zone on behalf of the BU ensuring strong alignment and follow-through.
- Co-develop and embed innovation best practices in partnership with the Innovation Center of Excellence (COE) and scale those practices across the BU.
- Play a lead role in BU and Zone innovation sufficiency governance and prioritization through monthly and annual routines.
- Serve as Designated Lead Manager Subject Matter Expert and coach for platforms without dedicated innovation full-time employees (e.g. Coffee Cheese).
Expected Experience & Required Skills
- Experience in innovation product development or related fields within the consumer goods industry.
- Strong cross-functional leadership and project management skills.
- Ability to leverage consumer insights and market data to drive strategy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience with pipeline management and performance tracking.
- Track record of defining the destination for a brand and mobilizing resources to enable the vision.
- Track record of delivering results in dynamic fast-paced environments.
- Passion for understanding consumer behaviors.
- Willingness to take risk and explore new ways to engage and drive relevancy with consumers.
- Ability to approach complex challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Embraces change and thrives in ambiguity.
New Hire Base Salary Range: $260000
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidates geographic region job-related knowledge skills and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare protection and savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events resources and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Youll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role country region union status and other employment status factors for example:
- Physical - Medical Prescription Drug Dental Vision Screenings/Assessments
- Social - Paid Time Off Company Holidays Leave of Absence Flexible Work Arrangements Recognition Training
- Emotional Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing Programs Family Support Programs
- Financial 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability
#LI-Hybrid
Location(s): Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race color national origin age sex sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact .
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$220800.00 - $276000.00Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidates geographic region job-related knowledge skills and experience among other factors
Long-Term Incentive (LTI): In addition to base salary and bonus this role is eligible for additional compensation in the form of equity.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare protection and savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events resources and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
Youll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role country region union status and other employment status factors for example:
Physical - Medical Prescription Drug Dental Vision Screenings/Assessments
Social - Paid Time Off Company Holidays Leave of Absence Flexible Work Arrangements Recognition Training
Emotional Employee Assistance Program Wellbeing Programs Family Support Programs
Financial 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability
Location(s)
Chicago/Aon CenterKraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race color national origin age sex sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact .
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
For 150 years, we have produced some of the world's most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC). Our Vision is To Be the Best Food Company, Growing a Better World. We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2018 net sales of approximately $26 ... View more