Head of Innovation

Ornua Co-operative Limited•Evanston, IL

3d•$165,150 - $201,850•Hybrid

About The Position

Ornua is actively seeking a Head of Innovation to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory. Reporting to the Senior Director, Brand Marketing OFNA, the Head of Innovation will lead the U.S. innovation agenda and build a robust, consumer-led pipeline of products. This role is responsible for portfolio strategy and management, adaptation of global platforms for the U.S. market, disciplined stage-gate execution, and support for key customers. Working across Insights, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, and global partners, this leader will translate consumer and category opportunities into commercially viable launches, renovations, and portfolio decisions that support sustainable growth.

Requirements

Strong leadership capability within a CPG marketing and innovation environment.
Fluency in consumer-led innovation methods, including Design Thinking and disciplined new product development processes.
Deep understanding of the U.S. retail, consumer, and competitive landscape.
Strong commercial judgment, with the ability to evaluate opportunities using consumer, category, financial, and operational inputs.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
Advanced communication and stakeholder-management skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders and align cross-functional teams.
A collaborative, self-motivated approach with the energy to balance local business needs and broader Group priorities.
A passion for high-quality food and building brands and products that deliver meaningful consumer value.
Bachelor’s degree in Business and/or Marketing.
10 years of relevant CPG experience, including demonstrated success in innovation including leading innovation strategy, product development and commercialization.
Experience with consumer products sold through retail channels.
Experience managing at least 1 direct report.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States.

Nice To Haves

MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
Food and beverage industry experience.
Experience adapting global innovation platforms for the U.S. market.
Proven capability to lead in a matrix organization driving collaboration across businesses and functions.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a consumer-insight-driven innovation strategy that identifies unmet and underserved consumer needs while aligning with market dynamics, competitive trends, brand priorities, and financial objectives.
Lead the end-to-end innovation process from strategy and concept development through commercialization, including product design, channel strategy, pricing, packaging, forecasting, and market launch execution.
Collaborate with Global Innovation Team to drive the prioritization, scaling, localization, and consistency of innovation development, while adapting global platforms and ideas to meet U.S. market needs.
Direct stage-gate governance and investment decision-making, evaluating strategic fit, market opportunity, consumer demand, competitive landscape, sales potential, profitability, commercial risk, resource requirements, and timing.
Partner cross-functionally to move concepts from insight through commercialization, ensuring clear ownership, sound decision-making, and strong execution.
Manage innovation priorities, pipeline investments, and budgets to ensure resources are aligned against the highest-value growth opportunities.
Provide innovation support for key customers and translate customer and market needs into actionable growth opportunities.
Lead executive communications and manage key stakeholders across OFNA and the wider Ornua Group.
Establish performance metrics and success criteria, continuously monitor innovation and portfolio performance, and recommend actions to improve business outcomes.