Associate Director - Innovation (Multiple Positions)

Kraft Heinz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 164,200 - 205,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401k plan

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago is seeking an Associate Director, Innovation to shape and execute a multi-year innovation strategy rooted in consumer needs. You will lead innovation from concept through commercialization, partnering with R&D, Marketing, Quality, Legal, and Operations to deliver growth.

The role requires 9+ years of relevant experience, MBA preferred, strong cross-functional leadership, and ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA with a marketing emphasis a plus.
• 9+ years of relevant experience in innovation marketing, brand management, or product management.
• Proven experience setting strategic direction and mobilizing cross-functional teams.
• Strong background in innovation leadership, including end-to-end commercialization.
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to synthesize data into clear insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a multi-year, consumer-led innovation strategy aligned to business priorities.
• Lead cross-functional teams to bring innovation from early concepts through launch and scale, partnering with Insights, R&D, Quality, Legal, Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Finance.
• Own innovation through the stage-gate process, providing clear visibility to senior leadership on opportunities, trade-offs, and recommendations.
• Manage agency partners supporting innovation development, including design and consumer validation efforts.
• Leverage syndicated data, performance tracking, and competitive analysis to assess innovation effectiveness and inform future direction.
• Apply a consumer-first mindset to decision-making while balancing brand integrity, financial performance, and operational feasibility.
• Shape portfolio and innovation architecture decisions, ensuring clarity and consistency in how innovation is brought to market.
• Clearly articulate strategy, insights, and vision to senior and executive leadership audiences.

Skills

Strategic direction

Cross-functional leadership

P&L understanding

Analytical skills

Consumer marketing

Executive influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA (marketing emphasis)

Job description

As an Associate Director, Innovation, you will be responsible for shaping and executing a multi‑year innovation strategy rooted in meaningful consumer needs. You will operate at the intersection of strategy and execution, leading innovation from concept through commercialization while partnering closely with cross‑functional teams across the organization.

In this role, you will provide strategic clarity, translate insights into action, and guide decision‑making through complexity. You will balance consumer‑first thinking with financial and operational considerations, bringing a strong point of view and influencing senior stakeholders to drive sustainable growth.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and maintain a multi‑year, consumer‑led innovation strategy aligned to business priorities
• Lead cross‑functional teams to bring innovation from early concepts through launch and scale, partnering with Insights, R&D, Quality, Legal, Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Finance
• Own innovation through the stage‑gate process, providing clear visibility to senior leadership on opportunities, trade‑offs, and recommendations
• Manage agency partners supporting innovation development, including design and consumer validation efforts
• Leverage syndicated data, performance tracking, and competitive analysis to assess innovation effectiveness and inform future direction
• Apply a consumer‑first mindset to decision‑making while balancing brand integrity, financial performance, and operational feasibility
• Shape portfolio and innovation architecture decisions, ensuring clarity and consistency in how innovation is brought to market
• Clearly articulate strategy, insights, and vision to senior and executive leadership audiences

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA with a marketing emphasis a plus
• 9+ years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in innovation marketing, brand management, or product management
• Proven experience setting strategic direction and mobilizing cross‑functional teams toward shared goals
• Strong background in innovation leadership, including end‑to‑end commercialization experience
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to synthesize data into clear insights and compelling stories
• Demonstrated P&L understanding and strong business acumen
• Enthusiasm for consumer marketing, innovation trends, and cultural insights
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver results within defined timelines
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior and executive‑level stakeholders

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range: $164,200.00 - $205,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance‑based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Benefits

Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing

We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well‑being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Benefits List

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.