Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand in Raleigh, NC

Are you a forward-thinking innovator with a passion for wellness and nutrition? A pioneering functional superfood brand in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead its product innovation, R&D strategy, and market differentiation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing brand at the intersection of health, science, and consumer trends. If you’re driven by purpose, creativity, and measurable results, this leadership role is your next challenge.

Drive Transformational Innovation in the Wellness Industry

Join a mission-driven company redefining the functional food landscape. Based in Raleigh, NC, this brand is on a rapid growth trajectory, delivering nutrient-rich superfood products designed for today’s health-conscious consumers. As Chief Innovation Officer, you’ll lead cross-functional initiatives to develop breakthrough products, identify emerging trends, and bring visionary ideas to life. If you thrive in a collaborative, agile environment and bring a track record of success in CPG innovation, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand

Innovation Strategy & Vision:
Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation roadmap that aligns with the brand’s mission of delivering nutrient-dense, functional superfoods. As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand, you will shape long-term product innovation strategies that anticipate consumer health trends and market shifts.

Product Development & R&D Leadership:
Lead cross-functional research and development teams to conceptualize, prototype, and launch groundbreaking superfood products. Oversee ingredient sourcing, formulation science, and product lifecycle management while ensuring nutritional integrity and regulatory compliance.

Consumer Insight-Driven Innovation:
Leverage market intelligence, customer feedback, and wellness trend analysis to inform product design and marketing decisions. Stay ahead of evolving dietary needs and preferences to maintain the brand’s competitive edge in the health and wellness space.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with marketing, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure seamless product execution from concept to shelf. Drive alignment across departments to support innovation initiatives and brand positioning strategies.

Brand Differentiation & Portfolio Expansion:
Identify opportunities to expand the product portfolio in new formats, categories, or channels that align with the brand’s mission. Champion innovation that enhances brand equity and differentiates the functional superfood brand in a crowded marketplace.

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing:
Incorporate sustainable practices and ethical sourcing principles into product development processes. Ensure that innovation efforts reflect environmental responsibility and transparency, aligning with conscious consumer expectations.

Regulatory & Quality Assurance Oversight:
Ensure all products comply with health, safety, and nutritional labeling regulations. Collaborate with quality assurance teams to uphold product standards and mitigate risks in formulation or production.

Thought Leadership & Trend Forecasting:
Act as the brand’s innovation thought leader, representing the company at industry events and in strategic partnerships. Monitor global wellness trends and emerging technologies to identify future opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Team Development & Innovation Culture:
Foster a high-performing, creative culture that empowers teams to challenge conventions and think outside the box. Recruit and mentor top talent while nurturing an agile, experiment-driven mindset.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand, the client seeks a bold, purpose-driven leader who can champion innovation in health-conscious consumer products. You should be a visionary with a strong background in research and development, consumer insights, and product innovation within the natural foods or wellness-oriented Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. This is a role for a strategic thinker who understands how to blend science, creativity, and market needs into products that inspire brand loyalty and enhance wellness.

Track Record of Product Innovation in CPG or Wellness

The ideal Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand brings a solid background in launching successful health and wellness products. You’ve led innovation teams, spearheaded R&D projects, and turned emerging consumer trends into shelf-ready products that perform. Experience in functional foods, dietary supplements, or plant-based nutrition is highly valued.

Strategic Vision with a Health-Forward Mindset

The client seeks someone who can craft and execute an innovation roadmap that aligns with long-term business goals and the company’s wellness mission. You should be able to identify white spaces in the functional food category, understand competitive landscapes, and forecast consumer behavior to position the brand ahead of the curve.

Scientific Literacy and Ingredient Knowledge

A strong understanding of nutritional science, bioavailability, functional ingredients, and clean-label product formulation is a must. The client is looking for a leader who can bridge the gap between R&D and marketing with a deep knowledge of what drives efficacy, trust, and transparency in health-focused products.

Cross-Functional and Collaborative Leadership

Success in this role requires close collaboration with marketing, operations, supply chain, and external partners. You should be experienced in building and leading cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of experimentation, agility, and accountability. Your ability to communicate across departments will be key to driving speed-to-market and product success.

Innovation-Focused, Consumer-Centric Approach

You should bring a consumer-first mindset rooted in empathy, curiosity, and data. The client values candidates who understand how to translate consumer needs, wellness trends, and market data into actionable product ideas that resonate with target audiences.

Commitment to Quality, Sustainability & Compliance

The client is looking for a Chief Innovation Officer who not only drives innovation but does so responsibly—ensuring products meet regulatory standards, sustainability goals, and quality benchmarks. Ethical sourcing and transparency are central to the brand’s values.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer in this role?
As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand, you will be responsible for leading innovation strategy, overseeing product development, managing cross-functional R&D initiatives, and identifying emerging trends in the wellness and nutrition space. You will drive the formulation and launch of new functional superfood products while aligning innovation efforts with brand values, market demand, and sustainability goals.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in product innovation, research and development, or brand strategy within the consumer packaged goods (CPG), functional food, or wellness industries. A background in nutritional science, food technology, or a related field is preferred. Prior success as an innovation leader with measurable outcomes in launching health-forward products is essential. Experience with clean-label, plant-based, or superfood products is highly desirable.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for the Chief Innovation Officer role?
The company is seeking a visionary leader with a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, and a passion for health and wellness. The Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand should be consumer-centric, data-informed, and able to lead cross-functional teams with agility and accountability. You should also demonstrate a strong ability to inspire creative thinking while maintaining strategic focus and executional discipline.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
In this role, you may encounter challenges such as rapidly shifting consumer trends, sourcing sustainable ingredients, navigating regulatory complexities, and ensuring consistent product efficacy. As the Chief Innovation Officer, you’ll need to balance creative experimentation with feasibility, cost-efficiency, and compliance, while staying ahead of competitors in a fast-paced wellness market.

5. What is the expected impact of the Chief Innovation Officer on the brand’s growth?
The Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand will have a significant influence on brand direction, consumer loyalty, and category leadership. Your ability to identify whitespace opportunities, deliver market-ready products, and drive portfolio expansion will directly impact revenue growth, market share, and the company’s positioning in the functional food space.

6. What is the company’s culture and innovation environment like?
The company thrives on purpose, agility, and collaboration. The culture is deeply rooted in wellness, innovation, and sustainability. As a Chief Innovation Officer, you will be encouraged to push creative boundaries, foster a culture of experimentation, and contribute meaningfully to a mission that promotes health through high-quality superfoods. You’ll join a passionate team committed to making a positive impact on consumers’ lives.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand in Raleigh, NC, you can expect a highly competitive executive compensation package tailored to attract strategic, creative leadership in the wellness and consumer goods sector. This role offers a blend of fixed and performance-based incentives designed to reward both short-term results and long-term innovation impact.

1. Base Salary
The annual base salary for a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand typically ranges from $200,000 to $350,000, depending on company size, funding stage, and candidate experience. Companies operating in the premium wellness and health product space often provide salaries on the higher end to secure proven innovation leaders.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
CIOs are eligible for annual performance bonuses tied to measurable business outcomes such as successful product launches, revenue from new innovations, speed-to-market milestones, and customer satisfaction. These bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary and are structured to drive continuous innovation.

3. Equity & Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
As a senior executive, the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand may be granted equity compensation, such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), particularly in startups or high-growth companies. These incentives are designed to align your contributions to the long-term value and success of the brand. Some packages also include LTIPs, rewarding innovation-driven performance over multiple years.

4. Executive Benefits & Perks
The compensation package typically includes a comprehensive set of executive benefits, such as:

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with employer contributions
Executive wellness stipends or memberships
Company-sponsored travel and networking allowances
Paid time off and sabbatical eligibility after tenure milestones

5. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
If relocation is required, the company may provide relocation assistance, temporary housing, or a signing bonus to ease the transition. These one-time incentives may range from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and strategic value to the brand.

Total Compensation Outlook

When base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits are factored together, the total compensation for a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand can range from $300,000 to $750,000+ annually, with significantly higher potential in rapidly scaling or investor-backed wellness companies.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary and innovation-driven leader with a passion for health and wellness, we invite you to apply for the role of Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand in Raleigh, NC. This is a rare opportunity to lead product strategy, drive innovation, and shape the future of a fast-growing brand in the wellness and functional food industry.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your experience in CPG innovation, product development, trend forecasting, cross-functional leadership, and wellness-focused brand growth. Be sure to include examples of your success in launching innovative products, identifying market white spaces, and building consumer-centric portfolios.

This position offers a high-impact executive leadership opportunity to influence innovation culture, enhance market relevance, and make a meaningful contribution to consumer health and lifestyle. Apply now to take the next step in your executive career as a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand in Raleigh, NC!

For more information or to explore similar innovation leadership opportunities, visit our Plant‑Based / Functional Food C‑Suite Recruitment Page.

Job Category: Plant‑Based / Functional Food C‑Suite

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Raleigh

Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Superfood Brand in Raleigh, NC