Director, Product Innovation

Overview

The Director, Product Innovation serves as the strategic leader for the development and implementation of pet food product innovations, driving the success of clients' projects and fostering both client and organizational growth. This role goes beyond daily management to encompass visionary leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and thought leadership in product innovation. This role ensures the seamless execution of complex projects while mentoring managers and engaging with executive stakeholders. This position requires advanced expertise in product development, client relationship management, and regulatory compliance within the pet food industry.

Job Duties:

Strategic Leadership

• Help define and drive the strategic vision for product innovation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives across departments (e.g., PI, FSQAR, Engineering) to optimize project outcomes and enhance client satisfaction.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges and proactively identifying opportunities for growth.

Advanced Product Development

• Oversee the development of products using formulation software (e.g., Concept 5 or Format), ensuring innovative and cost-effective solutions.
• Direct the formulation of multi-format pet products while balancing functionality, palatability, and nutritional compliance.
• Help establish and maintain expertise in emerging trends, technologies, and market opportunities in the pet food sector.

Project Oversight

• Ensure the successful execution of all projects from ideation to commercialization, prioritizing timelines, budgets, and quality.
• Help develop and implement standardized processes for project management, reporting, and documentation to improve operational efficiency.
• Provide high-level oversight of plant trials, collaborating with technical and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot and optimize processes.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-profile clients, managing expectations, building relationships, and driving long-term partnerships.
• Guide internal teams in delivering exceptional client service and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build credibility and strengthen client relationships.

Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and accountability.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback, building the team’s technical and leadership competencies.
• Build and sustain a collaborative, high-performance work environment that drives employee engagement and organizational success.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Foster a culture of innovation, identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to explore new concepts and conduct research (e.g., white papers, case studies).
• Champion sustainability and ethical practices in product innovation initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years experience in the pet food industry, with demonstrated leadership in product development and team management.
• Extensive experience with formulation software (e.g., Concept 5, Format) and expertise in multi-format product development.

Technical and Regulatory Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of pet food industry regulations, including AAFCO, FEDIAF, FDA, and global requirements.
• Proven expertise in ingredient functionality, palatability, equipment/process optimization, and nutritional science.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead diverse teams, fostering collaboration across different disciplines and levels.
• Strong mentoring skills with the ability to develop talent and drive team performance.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects under tight deadlines.

Required Skills

• Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior executives and clients.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with an aptitude for driving results in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of innovation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools.

Preferred Skills

• Research experience, such as publishing white papers or presenting findings at industry conferences.
• Experience in sustainability initiatives or innovative pet food technologies.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.