DIRECTOR, INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Kent Nutrition Group; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. in Muscatine, Iowa, seeks a Director of Innovative Solutions to shape the future of animal nutrition through strategic leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

You will lead development and commercialization of emerging technologies, partnering with research, sales, product development, and industry stakeholders to bring new solutions to market. In this role, you will guide portfolio strategy, identify opportunities, and drive adoption of breakthrough

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Animal Science or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in animal nutrition, animal health, agriculture, or related industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of animal nutrition, feed technologies, animal health products, and commercial sales strategies.
• Proven success leading product commercialization, innovation initiatives, and go-to-market strategies.
• Experience building strategic partnerships with customers, industry partners, researchers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead vision, strategy, execution, and growth of the Innovative Solutions business including management of portfolios.
• Identify industry trends, technologies, and market opportunities to drive innovation and differentiation.
• Collaborate across nutrition, formulation, marketing, sales, operations, finance, and research to commercialize products and services.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, universities, researchers, industry partners, and key customers.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and launch new product and technology opportunities with business cases and go-to-market plans.
• Drive adoption of innovative technologies through training, education, sales enablement, and thought leadership.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical expertise to teams while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Analyze market dynamics, manage budgets and performance metrics, represent the company at events and meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Product commercialization

Partnership development

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Kent Corporation HQ
2905 U.S. Highway 61 North
Muscatine, IA 52761, USA

KENT Nutrition Group, Inc., a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE™ family of companies is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to help shape the future of animal nutrition innovation. As Director, Innovative Solutions, you will lead the development and commercialization of emerging technologies, working across research, sales, product development, and industry partnerships to bring new solutions to market. This role offers the opportunity to drive business growth, lead high-performing teams, and position KENT Nutrition Group, Inc., as a trusted leader in advancing animal performance, health, profitability, and sustainability. If you're ready to influence the future of animal nutrition and lead meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you.

• This position is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, Iowa.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the vision, strategy, execution, and growth of the Innovative Solutions business, including management of proprietary and partner technology portfolios.
• Identify emerging industry trends, technologies, and market opportunities to drive innovation and competitive differentiation.
• Collaborate across nutrition, formulation, marketing, sales, operations, finance, and research teams to commercialize innovative products and services.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, universities, researchers, industry partners, and key customers to support business growth and innovation.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and launch new product and technology opportunities through business case development, commercialization planning, and go-to-market execution.
• Drive adoption of innovative technologies through technical training, customer education, sales enablement, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical expertise to team members, sales leaders, customers, and executive leadership while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Analyze market dynamics and competitive activity, manage budgets and performance metrics, and represent KENT at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Nutrition, or a related field required; Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in animal nutrition, animal health, agriculture, or a related industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of animal nutrition, feed technologies, animal health products, and commercial sales strategies.
• Demonstrated success leading product commercialization, innovation initiatives, and go-to-market strategies.
• Proven ability to evaluate market opportunities, competitive landscapes, and business investment priorities.
• Experience building strategic partnerships with customers, industry partners, researchers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to translate scientific and technical concepts into practical business solutions and customer value.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams while effectively communicating and influencing across all levels of an organization.

TRAVEL

• 30–50% travel, including overnight travel.
  Participation in customer visits, industry conferences, partner meetings, and field support activities.

Qualifications

Skills

Behaviors

Motivations

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Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
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