Director of Innovative Solutions — Animal Nutrition Growth

Kent Corporation; Muscatine (IA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

KENT Nutrition Group, Inc. seeks a Director, Innovative Solutions in Muscatine, IA, to lead the development and commercialization of emerging technologies. You will collaborate across research, sales, product development, and industry partnerships to bring new solutions to market and advance animal performance, health, profitability, and sustainability.

A strategic, results‑oriented leader is required. The role requires building and mentoring high‑performing teams, evaluating market

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Nutrition, or related field.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership & team development

Strategic partnerships

Market opportunity assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Public speaking / thought leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Nutrition, or related field

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

KENT Nutrition Group, Inc. seeks a Director, Innovative Solutions in Muscatine, IA, to lead the development and commercialization of emerging technologies. You will collaborate across research, sales, product development, and industry partnerships to bring new solutions to market and advance animal performance, health, profitability, and sustainability.

A strategic, results‑oriented leader is required. The role requires building and mentoring high‑performing teams, evaluating market