Innovation Head, Cocoa - Americas

Description

We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.

Position Summary:

This leadership position will lead the Ingredients and Technology Excellence (IEC) for Cocoa for Americas including USA, Canada, Mexico and South America. This role will report into the Global Head of Cocoa IEC, based in Amsterdam, and be part of the North America Cocoa Leadership Team and work closely with the Cocoa Americas Head.

• This position involves positive collaboration across global and regional product line management, regional profit center heads and Head of Customer Solutions Center, Chicago.
• Responsible for NA Cocoa IEC (ingredients excellence center) and part of Global Cocoa IEC, expected to build a NA innovation and solution-based ingredients portfolio which is relevant for our NA customers and value added for ofi. A successful implementation of optimized or new technology or new product within NA is a critical part of this role.
• Collaborates closely with the Product Line Managers, Quality Department, Ingredient Excellence Centers in Koog (IEC Koog), Commercial and Customer Solutions Center (CSC) and provide fact-based insights and advise on the existing cocoa ingredients to optimize the current portfolio of cocoa ingredients and support decision making.
• Day-to day management of CSC team is under the supervision of the Head of CSC NA, this role will be responsible for leading the team in terms of cocoa knowledge and capabilities and will make secure that we provide cocoa related innovation and solutions to our customers are at highest possible quality within the shortest possible time.
• Ensures alignment with commercial teams identify NPD opportunities for Americas including providing data for business case, customer validation for prototypes during development and implementation in close collaboration with global IEC.
• Works closely with the CSC and Sales teams to identify relevance of specifications for customers and relates ingredient performance in application to internal specifications.
• Leads improvements in product specifications addressing efficient business processes. The key to success is the speed and quality in response to supporting the CSC and Sales in their feedback to customers. The position has the freedom to develop and execute strategies to grow customer interaction and find creative ways to support sales.
• Oversees and supports various quality and regulatory initiatives throughout the region. Including membership of National Confectionary Association to represent ofi, spot, assess and flag risks and follow up internally and externally to support business.
• ofi is on a transformational journey to integrate and closely collaborate across ingredient platforms. This position will be heavily involved in finding synergies and rolling out best practices across the other platforms.
• Innovation is a key focus for ofi and this position will be responsible for developing the cocoa innovation strategy for Americas
  
  

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop North America–focused cocoa ingredient excellence and lead/create innovations, technologies, applications, and solutions tailored to the needs of North American customers.
• Collaborate closely with the Global IEC to support new product introductions and technologies, while proactively identifying opportunities to enhance the North America ingredient portfolio in both functionality and value.
• Partner with the CSC team and core cocoa specialists to build solutions for cocoa customers.
• Create new or improved ingredients and technologies that strengthen customer loyalty and drive growth in cocoa powder sales.
• Identify and develop ingredient‑driven opportunities that support increased butter and liquor sales.
• Responsible for technical ingredient portfolio management including the following: monitoring and optimizing the cocoa ingredient portfolio in close collaboration with the Product Line Managers, CSC, IEC and Quality department. Identifying gaps in our portfolio as well as deep understanding of the performance of the existing ingredients to ensure a complete and technically relevant portfolio of ingredients.
• Responsible for technical ingredient aspects of customer project pipeline – incumbent should be proficient in using multiple systems including SAP, SalesForce or other relevant programs.
• Lead R&D efforts to develop cocoa‑based concepts and identify new product development opportunities that feed the innovation pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with the Customer Solutions Centers (CSC) to create new products and applications across categories, leveraging deep knowledge of the cocoa ingredient portfolio.
• Engage and collaborate with IECs from other business units - including Edible Nuts, Coffee, Spices, and Dairy - across North America.
• Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with CSC and other business units (approximately 25-20% of the time), with the goal of driving “one ofi” through integrated innovation and ingredient excellence.
  
  

Position Requirements:

• MSc or PhD degree in Food Technology or Food Chemistry required.
• MBA or equivalent commercial qualification preferred.
• Proven track record in a senior leadership role within Product Development or R&D in the cocoa or chocolate industry, with a minimum of 10 years of experience. Experience in the bakery industry is an additional advantage.
• Expert in ingredient functionality with a proven track record of working on complex food systems. Skilled at transforming ideas into bespoke, solution‑driven concepts.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with customers based on capabilities, knowledge and drive to make things happen. Ability to develop and deliver presentations to customers at all levels.
• Proven leadership skills to transfer the growth aspirations of the company into a regional PD&I strategy with tangible actions and KPI’s explained and accepted by the teams.
• Entrepreneurial-spirit with the ability to inspire their team to go the extra mile combining intelligence, agility, creativity and a “can do” mentality.
• Shares a passion for innovative ingredients, food or beverage products and technologies in the beverage, dairy and ice category.
• Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills.
• This position requires up to 25% travel, domestic and/or international.
  
  

ofiprovides employees with a comprehensive & competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. A Rewarding Career Awaits!

The pay for this role ranges from $150,000 - $190,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

Performance-based Bonuses:Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact,for eligible roles.

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits:Coverage for you(and youreligible dependents)with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.

A Culture of Well-being:Paid Volunteer time off, access toevents, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.

Family Support:Paid parental leave,Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.

Additional Perks That Make a Difference:

• Vacation time from Day 1– Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave–Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.
• Company Paid Holidays–ofivalues work-life balance and the importance of celebratinglife’s special moments.
• 401K Match on Day 1– Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
• Career Growth & Learning– Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.
  
  

Atofi,we don’t just offer jobs—we provide careers built onimpact, inclusion, and innovation.Come grow with us!

ofiprovides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability,veteran status,or sexual orientation.All employment will be decidedon the basis ofqualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at:US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

Atofi, we celebrate our diversity. Olam AmericasLLCis proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Note:Thisjob description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.