Associate Director, Innovation Strategy & Commercialization – Knorr US
About The Position
With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. About Knorr Knorr is one of Unilever’s most iconic global brands, delivering delicious, nutritious, and accessible flavor solutions to millions of households. In the US, Knorr is undergoing a significant transformation, expanding into new categories, modernizing its portfolio, and driving market‑making innovations that create step‑change growth. Innovation is at the heart of this journey. We are building a best‑in‑class innovation engine that is grounded in consumer demand, connected globally, and built to deliver consistent, high‑quality launches that win in market. JOB PURPOSE: The Director, Innovation Strategy & Commercialization is the senior leader responsible for setting the US innovation agenda, shaping and steering the innovation pipeline, and ensuring Knorr delivers its growth ambition through successful on‑time, in‑full (OTIF) launches. This role is accountable for both opportunity identification (front‑end strategy, white space mapping, global lifts & shifts) and commercial delivery (project readiness, sell‑in, launch excellence, innovation P&L contribution). It requires a leader with strong strategic muscle, exceptional cross-functional influence, and the ability to collaborate deeply with global brand teams, R&D, Supply Chain, Customer Strategy & Planning, and Customer Marketing. This role leads a team focused on consumer demand spaces, innovation process excellence, and high-quality commercialization.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
- 10-15+ years experience in CPG innovation, brand management, strategy, or related fields.
- Proven experience leading innovation from concept to commercialization with measurable business impact.
- Strong track record of delivering innovation-driven sales growth.
- Experience influencing global teams and operating in a matrixed organization.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and leadership presence.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Strong financial acumen and comfort with P&Ls, forecasting, and business casing.
Responsibilities
- Set the Innovation Strategy & Agenda for Knorr US
- Own the Innovation Pipeline End-to-End
- Drive Commercial Delivery & OTIF Launch Execution
- Lead Global Collaboration & Influence
- Build Innovation Process Excellence
- Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team
Benefits
- Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
