Director of Innovation

Location – Hybrid (COB – 3 days per week/Remote – 2 days per week) Employee Type – Salaried Bonus Eligibility – Yes Safety Sensitive – No If a company is going to make a difference in today’s world, it’s going to have to think differently.
At Organic Valley, our philosophy and decisions are based on the health and welfare of people, animals, and the earth.
We’re a mission-driven cooperative, owned by family farmers, and we’ve been leaders in organic agriculture from the very beginning.
Once pioneers of organic agriculture, we’re now an established leader.
Organic is all we do.
We are driven by our mission to promote regional farm diversity and economic stability by the means of organic agricultural methods and the sale of certified organic products.
Summary of Role Organic Valley is seeking a Director of Innovation to develop and execute on the cooperative’s strategic initiatives centered around innovation and diversification.
Responsibilities would include disruptive innovation (exploring areas outside of current categories), licensing, new business development, and identifying new revenue streams.
The Director of Innovation reports to the Sr.
Director of Category Marketing & Innovation and is responsible for conceptualizing and developing compelling strategic initiatives that will help drive sustainable growth, market leadership and innovation in support of CROPP’s long-term strategic growth plan (including licensing, co-brand, food, and non-food).
To ensure success, the Director of Innovation should be strategic, collaborative, forward thinking, and motivated to deliver responsible growth.
A top-notch candidate will have a proven track record of identifying opportunities, formulating strategic initiatives, and leading successful projects which have resulted in sustained growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities o Responsible for the development, implementation, and delivery of the disruptive innovation strategy and pipeline in support of the co-op’s overall long-term growth objectives.
o A strong interest in understanding changing consumer needs, and an ability to craft, sharpen and advance actionable insights into demand-drivers using multiple sources of consumer research, feedback, and trends.
o Manage the planning and execution of projects within the commercialization/stage gate process, including idea generation/validation, opportunity assessment, product development, go-to-market strategy, launch and post-launch analysis.
o Effectively evaluate project feasibility, fit with mission, brand strategy, and return on investment.
Balances this evaluation against resource utilization, cost, and other constraints.
Recommends and prioritizes initiatives accordingly.
o Develop strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Product Development, Category, Sales, Finance & Supply Chain) to ensure collaboration and alignment of direction at all stages of development and launch.
o Collaborates with the category teams and product development to harmonize new product pipelines across disruptive innovation, category innovation, line extensions, renovation, and licensing to deliver on our annual operating plans and our long-term growth objectives.
o Create and own processes which will enable collaboration and participation across the organization to identify and align on areas of innovation.
o Manage Licensing function within the cooperative, including management of licensing agreements, contract renewals and all new licensing partnerships and agreements.
o Responsible for leading and coaching an Innovation Manager to enhance the innovative potential of the business.
o Develop and maintain strategic relationships with external partners – including research partners, co-manufacturers, creative agencies, innovation partners, etc.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities o Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities o Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
o Minimum 10+ years in Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) Marketing or Innovation.
o Minimum 5 years direct experience in leading development and execution of product innovation pipeline including further-out innovation (demonstrated ability to lead a concept from idea to shelf).
o Prior relevant work experience working in Licensing and/or Business Development is a plus.
o Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing people (direct and indirectly).
o Strong communication and presentation skills are required.
Must present to diverse audiences, collaborate with external partners, and work cross-functionally both in-person and virtually.
Ideal candidate will effectively communicate to inform and inspire others.
o Self-motivated and resourceful in order to improvise and adapt with daily challenges via creative problem solving.
o A curious, optimistic, and entrepreneurial mind-set.
o Strong project management skills, financial acumen, ability to maintain timelines, execute organizational communication, manage P&L, and budget.
o Ability to assess financial viability and performance and make recommendations based on P&L statements and insights.
o Ability to manage department budget and allocate resources effectively.
o Ability to work with all levels of the organization.
o Syndicated Data analysis experience to track performance and inform key product decisions.
Base salary range: $139,609 - $196,996 per year This salary range is exclusive of fringe benefits.
The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary bonuses.
If you are hired at CROPP, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience.
Additionally, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider the internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer.
Please keep in mind that entry-level candidates to this role should expect to be at the lower end of the salary range, and hiring at the maximum of the salary range is not typical.
Benefits We believe when our people are strong, our mission is strong.
Therefore, we offer a comprehensive and holistic Total Rewards package meant to strengthen employees’ and their family's total wellbeing.
Here are some of the great benefits offered: o Comprehensive Health Insurance - Choice of plans for you and your family, including some that can be paired with an HSA (which CROPP contributes to on your behalf) o Supplemental insurances: we offer accidental insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance.
o Time Off – 136 hours in the 1st year of employment prorated by start date.
Plus 9 paid holidays, plus one floating holiday for us at will.
o 6 Weeks Paid Parental Leave – For all gendered partners in childbirth or adoption.
o Vision & Dental Insurance – Free annual eye exam, discounts on glasses/contacts, flexible dental network, adult ortho.
o 401k – We match 100% up to the first 3% of an employee’s contribution, and then 50% for 3.
1%-5.
0% of employee contributions.
o Tuition Reimbursement – Up to $1,500 per year to support continuing higher education.
o Flexible Spending Account – For dependent care costs or to help with dental and vision costs.
o Life Insurance - $50,000 policy funded by CROPP for each employee.
Supplemental voluntary coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
o Short-Term & Long-Term Disability/AD&D Insurance - $50,000 of life insurance coverage of $50,000 of AD&D coverage funded by CROPP for each employee.
o Mental Health Support – Free 24/7 access to therapists, coaches, and self-led mental health resources.
o Free onsite fitness centers available 24/7 o Free biometric screenings (cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure) and health coaching.
o Financial advisors and seminars o Annual $360 wellness reimbursement o Flexible Scheduling o On-site all-organic cafeterias