Associate Director, Innovation Strategy & Launch

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

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.