Head of Innovation, U.S. Market Growth

Ornua Co-operative Limited; Evanston (IL); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Flexible working

Fitness reimbursement

Charitable donations

Kerrygold products

Free parking

Snacks & drinks

Recognition programs

Volunteering

Long-service awards

Job summary

Ornua Foods North America Inc. is seeking a Head of Innovation to lead the U.S.

consumer-led growth agenda, shaping a robust pipeline of launches, renovations and portfolio decisions that align with global platforms and local market needs. You will own end-to-end innovation from strategy through commercialization, collaborate across Insights, Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance, and drive stage-gate governance while inspiring cross-functional teams to deliver strong results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business and/or Marketing.
• 10 years of relevant CPG experience, including demonstrated success in innovation including leading innovation strategy, product development and commercialization.
• Experience with consumer products sold through retail channels.
• Experience managing at least 1 direct report.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.
• Authorization to work for any employer in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a consumer-insight-driven innovation strategy that identifies unmet and underserved consumer needs while aligning with market dynamics, competitive trends, brand priorities, and financial objectives.
• Lead the end-to-end innovation process from strategy and concept development through commercialization, including product design, channel strategy, pricing, packaging, forecasting, and market launch execution.
• Collaborate with Global Innovation Team to drive the prioritization, scaling, localization, and consistency of innovation development, while adapting global platforms and ideas to meet U.S. market needs.
• Direct stage-gate governance and investment decision-making, evaluating strategic fit, market opportunity, consumer demand, competitive landscape, sales potential, profitability, commercial risk, resource requirements, and timing.
• Partner cross-functionally to move concepts from insight through commercialization, ensuring clear ownership, sound decision-making, and strong execution.
• Manage innovation priorities, pipeline investments, and budgets to ensure resources are aligned against the highest-value growth opportunities.
• Provide innovation support for key customers and translate customer and market needs into actionable growth opportunities.
• Lead executive communications and manage key stakeholders across OFNA and the wider Ornua Group.
• Establish performance metrics and success criteria, continuously monitor innovation and portfolio performance, and recommend actions to improve business outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Design Thinking

New product development

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

Job description

Ornua Foods North America Inc. is seeking a Head of Innovation to lead the U.S.

consumer-led growth agenda, shaping a robust pipeline of launches, renovations and portfolio decisions that align with global platforms and local market needs. You will own end-to-end innovation from strategy through commercialization, collaborate across Insights, Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance, and drive stage-gate governance while inspiring cross-functional teams to deliver strong results.