Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) – Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) – Minneapolis, MN
Are you a forward-thinking leader passionate about driving innovation in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry? We are seeking a Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) to join a dynamic CPG company in Minneapolis, MN. This is a unique opportunity to spearhead product innovation, foster a culture of creativity, and align business strategies with emerging consumer trends. If you excel at transforming ideas into impactful solutions and have a proven track record in CPG innovation, this role is for you.
Lead Innovation in a Thriving CPG Business in Minneapolis
A leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company in Minneapolis, MN is looking for a Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) to drive its innovation strategy and accelerate business growth. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in product development, consumer insights, and technology integration within the CPG space. If you have a passion for crafting breakthrough products, enhancing customer experiences, and staying ahead of industry trends, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.
In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, CPG companies face increased pressure to innovate and meet the changing demands of consumers. As a result, organizations require visionary leaders who can translate insights into actionable strategies, build teams, and drive impactful change across multiple touchpoints of the business. The CINO will be at the helm of this transformation, charting the course for the company’s growth by embracing cutting-edge technologies and ensuring that the organization stays ahead of its competitors.
As the CINO, your responsibilities will range from developing and executing the company’s innovation strategy to ensuring the effective launch of new products. This role involves collaborating with multiple teams, analyzing consumer behavior, integrating new technologies, and ensuring sustainability in product development, all while fostering an environment where creativity can thrive.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) – Consumer Packaged Goods
🔹 Innovation Strategy Development:
Create and execute an innovation roadmap that aligns with the company’s goals. Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and consumer preferences to build a pipeline of groundbreaking products.
🔹 Product Development & Commercialization:
Oversee the end-to-end product development process — from concept ideation and prototyping to testing, production, and market launch. Ensure all new products align with the brand’s vision and meet consumer demands.
🔹 Consumer Insights & Trend Analysis:
Leverage data analytics and market research to uncover customer needs, preferences, and pain points. Use these insights to drive product innovation and brand differentiation.
🔹 Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with R&D, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of innovation strategies. Foster collaboration between departments to streamline product development and speed-to-market.
🔹 Technology Integration:
Identify and implement cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, IoT, and sustainable packaging solutions, to elevate product offerings and enhance operational efficiency.
🔹 Sustainability & Ethical Innovation:
Develop eco-friendly product solutions and sustainable packaging strategies. Ensure the innovation pipeline aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and environmental regulations.
🔹 Budget & Resource Management:
Oversee innovation budgets, allocating resources strategically to maximize ROI. Ensure cost-effective product development while maintaining quality and creativity.
🔹 Leadership & Team Building:
Cultivate a culture of innovation within the organization. Inspire, mentor, and lead innovation teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages risk-taking and bold ideas.
🔹 Strategic Partnerships:
Establish partnerships with startups, research institutions, and industry leaders to co-create innovative products and stay at the forefront of CPG trends.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, the client seeks a visionary leader who can transform creative ideas into successful products. You should have a strong background in innovation leadership, a passion for technology-driven solutions, and the strategic mindset to push boundaries and redefine product experiences.
Proven Innovation Leadership in the CPG Industry
The client is searching for an experienced executive with a history of driving product innovation, launching successful CPG products, and scaling new business ideas. A strong track record of integrating technology, conducting market research, and creating consumer-centric products is crucial.
Strategic Thinker with a Focus on Growth
You must demonstrate the ability to build and execute innovation strategies that enhance market share and boost revenue. The ideal candidate will have experience in identifying white spaces in the market, predicting consumer trends, and rapidly commercializing new products.
Strong Technical Acumen
An understanding of R&D processes, emerging technologies, and sustainable innovations is essential. The client values leaders who can harness AI, data analytics, and automation to streamline product development and enhance customer experiences.
Team Builder and Collaborator
Leadership is at the heart of this role. You should be capable of building high-performing innovation teams, nurturing creativity, and fostering a collaborative culture. The ability to work cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and operations teams is vital.
Consumer-Driven Mindset
A deep understanding of consumer behavior, purchasing patterns, and feedback loops is key. The ideal candidate will have experience in using customer insights to create impactful, market-ready products that resonate with target audiences.
FAQs About the Role – Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) – Consumer Packaged Goods
1. What are the key responsibilities of the CINO in this role?
The Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) will drive the company’s innovation strategy, oversee product development, analyze consumer insights, and integrate cutting-edge technologies. You will foster a culture of creativity, collaborate across departments, and ensure new products align with market demands and sustainability goals.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have senior leadership experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with a strong background in innovation, product development, and R&D. Expertise in technology integration, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration is crucial. An advanced degree in business, technology, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a strategic thinker with excellent leadership, creativity, and collaboration skills. You should be results-driven, adaptable, and passionate about building innovative solutions that elevate the brand and drive business growth.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As CINO, you’ll face challenges such as staying ahead of evolving consumer trends, integrating new technologies, managing R&D costs, and ensuring speedy product launches. The role demands balancing creativity with business viability and maintaining alignment with corporate goals.
5. What impact will the CINO have on the company’s success?
The Chief Innovation Officer will play a pivotal role in driving product innovation, enhancing brand competitiveness, and boosting revenue. Your strategic vision and ability to commercialize new ideas will directly influence the company’s growth and market leadership.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry — Minneapolis, MN — you can expect a competitive compensation package that reflects the strategic importance of this role in driving innovation, growth, and market differentiation. The remuneration for this position typically includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a CINO in the CPG industry varies based on company size, innovation budgets, and market presence. In mid-to-large-sized CPG companies, the annual base salary generally ranges from $250,000 to $450,000, with larger corporations offering even higher salaries for top-tier innovation leaders.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
CINOs often receive annual performance-based bonuses tied to innovation metrics such as product pipeline success, time-to-market improvements, revenue generated from new products, and strategic partnerships. These bonuses can range from 20% to 70% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.
3. Equity & Stock Options
To align incentives with long-term company growth, many CPG companies offer equity packages, such as stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These provide an opportunity to benefit from the company’s success, with equity grants often representing a substantial portion of the total compensation.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Some companies offer long-term incentive plans designed to reward sustained innovation efforts. These plans may include multi-year bonuses tied to the successful commercialization of innovative products, market share expansion, and technology adoption, further boosting overall earnings.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As a senior executive, you may also receive a comprehensive benefits package, which could include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company matching or executive retirement plans
Executive wellness programs
Travel allowances for innovation conferences and R&D events
Expense accounts for business development and networking
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
To attract top innovation talent, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation packages. These incentives can range from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and the company’s strategic needs.
Total Compensation Potential
When combining base salary, bonuses, equity options, and long-term incentives, the total compensation for a CINO in the CPG industry can range from $400,000 to $1 million or more annually. High-growth companies or publicly traded firms may offer even more lucrative packages, especially for innovation leaders driving breakthrough strategies and products.
How to Apply
If you are a dynamic, strategic leader with a passion for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) innovation, we invite you to apply for the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) role in Minneapolis, MN. This is your chance to drive product breakthroughs, shape future trends, and elevate a leading CPG brand.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience in CPG innovation, product development, technology integration, and leadership. Showcase how you have successfully launched new products, optimized R&D processes, and inspired teams to embrace innovation.
Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as a Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) – Consumer Packaged Goods in Minneapolis, MN!
For more information about executive roles in the CPG industry, visit our CPG Executive Recruiters Page.
Tags:
Chief Innovation Officer | CINO | CPG Innovation Leadership | Consumer Packaged Goods Innovation | Product Development | Market Expansion | R&D Strategy | Emerging Technologies | Sustainable Innovation | Minneapolis Executive Jobs
