Associate Director - Innovation (Multiple Positions)

The Kraft Heinz Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 164,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraft Heinz in Chicago is seeking an Associate Director of Innovation to shape and execute a multi-year consumer-led strategy. You will lead cross-functional teams from concept to commercialization, translating insights into actionable initiatives while balancing brand, financial, and operational considerations.

The role requires 9+ years in innovation marketing or related fields, with an MBA in marketing preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 9+ years of relevant experience with at least 5 years in innovation marketing, brand management, or product management.
• MBA or equivalent with marketing emphasis preferred to lead strategic initiatives.
• Proven ability to set strategic direction and mobilize cross-functional teams toward shared goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a multi-year, consumer-led innovation strategy aligned to business priorities.
• Lead cross-functional teams to bring innovation from concept through launch and scale with Insights, R&D, Quality, Legal, Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Finance.
• Own innovation through the stage-gate process and provide visibility to senior leadership on opportunities and trade-offs.
• Manage agency partners supporting innovation development including design and consumer validation efforts.
• Leverage data, performance tracking, and competitive analysis to assess innovation effectiveness and inform future direction.
• Balance consumer-first thinking with brand integrity, financial performance, and operational feasibility.
• Shape portfolio and architecture decisions to ensure clear market delivery of innovations.
• Articulate strategy, insights, and vision to senior and executive audiences.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategy setting

P&L understanding

Financial acumen

Consumer marketing

Executive influence

Data-driven insights

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA with marketing emphasis

Job description

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 savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well well‑being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• 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.