Director of Innovation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee a team of Material Scientists, Engineers, and Lab Technicians to innovate and commercialize material science platforms for North American Fresh Food.

• Act as a hands-on technical leader for key material initiatives, encompassing formulation development, statistical experimental design, data analysis, and technical validation.

• Create material platforms in areas such as rigid thermoforming, foam packaging, inks, and sustainable materials.

• Direct material investigations with key suppliers and vendors to uncover new technologies that foster innovation, sustainability, and profitable growth.

• Collaborate with the Global Innovation Director and Global Innovation Center to transition technology platforms from proof of concept into applications for Fresh Food.

• Work alongside Product Management and Marketing to establish Technology/Market Roadmaps and facilitate both internal and customer-facing ideation.

• Coordinate with the Project Management Office regarding project prioritization, technical readiness assessments, risk management, and commercialization transitions.

• Establish and implement measurement systems that link laboratory and pilot plant testing to customer-use conditions, product performance, manufacturability, and technical readiness.

• Partner with Operations, Quality, and Procurement to ensure that material platforms are technically viable, manufacturable, and commercially significant.

• Enhance organizational technical capability through mentoring, improved technical methodologies, intellectual property support, disciplined experimentation, and ongoing learning.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry or a higher qualification is mandatory; related technical disciplines such as Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or similar fields will be considered.

• At least 10 years of experience in introducing new materials, formulations, technologies, or innovations to the market.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading high-performing technical teams.

• Proven experience in formulation development, statistical experimental design, technical validation, and data analysis.

• Experience in converting material science concepts into marketable products or platforms.

• Familiarity with rigid plastics, foam packaging, and inks or related packaging technologies is preferred.

• Experience in Stage-Gate and Agile product development processes is advantageous.

• Strong preference for candidates with experience in high-volume manufacturing or packaging commercialization.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and cultivate high-performing technical teams.

• Excellent collaboration and influence skills across New Product Development, Marketing, Product Management, Project Management Office, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Sales, and suppliers.

• Capability to translate market demands into technical roadmaps, material development initiatives, and commercially viable innovations.

• Proficient in correlating lab and pilot plant testing to customer-use conditions, product performance, manufacturability, and technical readiness.

• Strong business acumen, prioritization, and decision-making abilities.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including expertise in technical reporting and executive-level communication.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Collaborative work environment fostering innovation and creativity.

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.