Director, Innovation Portfolio Management

High Liner Foods; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent food company in Mississauga is seeking a Director of Innovation Portfolio Management. This role involves leading the innovation process and overseeing project delivery while managing a team to ensure resource optimization. The ideal candidate has over 7 years in the consumer package goods industry, strong leadership skills, and experience with the Stage & Gate process. Join us for a rewarding career with competitive benefits and a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Pay for performance incentives

Employee & Family assistance programs

Wellness Programs

Retirement Planning

Disability Support

Flexible working policies

Learning opportunities

Safety focused work environment

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in consumer package goods industry.
• Experience leading the Stage & Gate process.
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Innovation Process and manage the Stage & Gate process.
• Lead a team of Innovation Portfolio Managers.
• Ensure project prioritization and resource optimization.

Skills

Project management leadership skills

Cross-functional team leadership

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Negotiation and conflict resolution

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree (business degree preferred)

Tools

Innovation management software platforms

Job description

Requisition Number: DIREC003536

Apply now

• Posted : November 7, 2025
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

The Director, Innovation Portfolio Management is responsible for leading Innovation process (Stage Gate Process) and Innovation Governance (Portfolio Management Review) at High Liner Foods. This position balances the need for strong innovation process understanding, stage gate familiarity, portfolio oversight, efficiency planning along with strong leadership and cross functional collaboration. The incumbent will lead a team of project managers to deliver all innovation and renovation projects for HLF, provide portfolio oversight to ensure financial targets are being met with the proper prioritization of projects and resources over the three‑year planning horizon.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Oversee the High Liner Foods Innovation Process, including the management of the Stage & Gate process.
• Review current process, identify areas of opportunity and work with the cross-functional team to continuously optimize process to improve efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery
• Lead a team of Innovation Portfolio Managers and effectively manage their project allocation to ensure resource optimization and business fluidity.
• Utilize leadership, coaching and influencing skills to manage and align cross-functional teams to drive projects forward.
• Solves project constraints with key business leaders by providing solutions such as project prioritization and redirecting project schedules to ensure successful completion
• Manage the innovation pipeline for HLF ensuring strategic alignment, financial sufficiency, and prioritization to support the company’s long-term objectives.
• Demonstrates confidence, thought leadership, and comfort with taking risk in ambiguous situations.

Qualifications

• 7 years + of progressive work experience in consumer package goods industry, with relevant project management and leadership experience
• Bachelor’s degree required – business degree preferred
• Confident and creative thinker, able to move beyond “what is” to “what could be”
• Strong project management leadership skills and ability to multi-task on important and time sensitive initiatives while leading a team of project managers
• Experience leading the Stage & Gate process as well as familiarity with various innovation management software platforms
• Experience leading, coaching and influencing cross-functional team through project life cycles and ambiguity
• Strong organizational skills and ability to deliver under tight timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
• High attention to detail and quality standards

What’s in it for you?

Join High Liner Foods for a career where you shape your path, backed by great benefits, flexible work, and a culture of diversity, innovation, and sustainability. Immerse yourself in opportunities to make a real impact and grow with us in our mission to nourish lives. Start your adventure where endless possibilities to thrive together await.

• Pay for performance incentives
• Employee & Family assistance programs
• Wellness Programs
• Retirement Planning
• Disability Support
• Family friendly Flex policies & Summer hours
• Learning and mentorship opportunities
• Safety focused work environment

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