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

Are you a forward-thinking leader passionate about health and wellness innovation? A growing Functional Supplement Brand in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead product development, strategic innovation, and R&D initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to transform the future of wellness by driving breakthrough ideas, developing science-backed products, and positioning the brand as a leader in the supplement industry. If you are a trailblazer with a strong background in product strategy, consumer health trends, and innovation management, we want to hear from you.

Revolutionize the Wellness Space from Raleigh, NC

A pioneering health and wellness company specializing in functional supplements is looking for a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to fuel the next wave of growth through innovation. Based in Raleigh, NC, this role demands a strategic leader with a passion for consumer-centric innovation, nutritional science, and market-driven product development. The ideal candidate will bring experience in leading cross-functional teams, launching successful wellness products, and driving innovation pipelines in the CPG or supplement space. Join a company poised to disrupt the industry with purpose-driven products and bold ideas.

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

Innovation Strategy & Vision:
Develop and lead the long-term innovation roadmap for the functional supplement brand. Align product development strategies with emerging wellness trends, scientific research, and consumer needs to ensure sustainable competitive advantage.

Product Development & R&D Oversight:
Drive all stages of product innovation—from concept to commercialization—by overseeing R&D, formulation, and testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring to market effective, high-quality supplements grounded in science and consumer insight.

Brand & Product Differentiation:
Position the brand as a thought leader in the wellness and supplement space through cutting-edge innovation. Identify unique value propositions and create breakthrough formulations that elevate the brand above competitors.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with marketing, sales, regulatory, and supply chain teams to ensure that innovation initiatives are well-integrated, compliant, and scalable. Foster collaboration to accelerate time-to-market and enhance consumer impact.

Consumer & Market Insights:
Leverage deep market intelligence, customer data, and trend analysis to inform the product pipeline. The Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand will champion a data-driven approach to identify white space opportunities and consumer pain points.

External Partnerships & Sourcing:
Build strategic partnerships with ingredient suppliers, research institutions, and industry experts to gain access to novel ingredients, technologies, and insights that drive innovation.

Regulatory & Quality Assurance:
Ensure all product innovations meet relevant regulatory standards, quality benchmarks, and safety protocols. Stay current on evolving supplement industry regulations and proactively manage risk.

Team Leadership & Development:
Lead and mentor a high-performing innovation team. Cultivate a culture of creativity, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement aligned with the brand’s mission and values.

Innovation Metrics & ROI:
Define KPIs and success metrics for innovation initiatives. Regularly assess project performance, commercialization outcomes, and market adoption to optimize investment returns.

Sustainability & Ethical Innovation:
Champion sustainable product development practices and transparent ingredient sourcing. Uphold the brand’s commitment to health, integrity, and environmental responsibility throughout the innovation lifecycle.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, the client is seeking a visionary leader who can transform cutting-edge ideas into commercially successful wellness products. You should possess a deep understanding of the functional supplement landscape, with a track record of leading innovation, inspiring cross-functional teams, and delivering market-disrupting solutions grounded in science and consumer needs.

Proven Track Record in Wellness Innovation

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in product innovation, preferably within the supplement, nutraceutical, or broader health and wellness industries. You should have a demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams in developing, launching, and scaling functional health products that resonate with evolving consumer demands.

Strategic Mindset with Scientific & Market Fluency

As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you must possess both scientific acumen and strategic foresight. The client is looking for someone who can interpret market trends and consumer insights, merge them with research-driven product ideation, and align innovation strategies with long-term business goals.

Creative Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

You should be an inspirational and collaborative leader capable of building a strong innovation culture within the organization. The client values individuals who can bridge creative, technical, and operational departments to bring impactful products to market swiftly and effectively.

Strong Understanding of Regulatory & Quality Standards

Success in this role requires a thorough understanding of FDA, FTC, and industry-specific compliance requirements. The client seeks someone who prioritizes consumer safety and product integrity throughout the innovation and launch processes.

Analytical, Data-Driven Decision Making

The client expects a leader who can make informed, data-backed decisions—from concept validation to post-launch analysis. Experience in tracking innovation KPIs, managing R&D budgets, and ensuring ROI on innovation projects is highly preferred.

Consumer-Centric & Trend-Aware

You must have a deep appreciation for consumer wellness behavior, lifestyle shifts, and market dynamics. As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you will be expected to translate these insights into differentiated products that build brand equity and foster long-term customer loyalty.

Commitment to Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Innovation

The client is particularly interested in candidates who are passionate about sustainable practices and ethical sourcing. Your ability to integrate purpose, transparency, and environmental consciousness into the innovation strategy will be a key differentiator.

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

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Innovation Officer in this role?
As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you will lead the brand’s product innovation strategy, overseeing R&D, formulation, and market-driven development. You’ll be responsible for identifying emerging wellness trends, translating consumer insights into product concepts, managing cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The role focuses on driving innovation that enhances brand differentiation, growth, and customer loyalty.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have significant experience in product innovation or R&D within the functional supplement, nutraceutical, or broader CPG industry. A background in health sciences, nutrition, or product development is highly preferred. Proven success in bringing consumer health products to market, managing innovation pipelines, and leading cross-functional teams is essential. An advanced degree in science, business, or a related field is a strong plus.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
To thrive as a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you should be a visionary, collaborative leader with strong analytical and creative thinking skills. The client values individuals who are consumer-obsessed, scientifically informed, and capable of managing diverse innovation portfolios. Strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and lead teams across departments are key to success in this role.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You will face challenges such as navigating a rapidly evolving supplement market, ensuring compliance with changing regulations, and balancing speed-to-market with product quality. Additionally, staying ahead of wellness trends, managing R&D timelines, and differentiating in a competitive space are core challenges. As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you’ll need to balance innovation with commercial viability.

5. How does this role impact the company’s growth and strategy?
Innovation is central to the company’s brand identity and long-term growth. Your role will directly influence product strategy, customer engagement, and market expansion. By leading innovation initiatives, you’ll help shape the future of the brand, increase customer loyalty, and drive sustainable revenue growth through science-backed, consumer-centric products.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company offers a dynamic, purpose-driven, and innovation-led culture. Collaboration, integrity, wellness, and sustainability are core values. As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand, you’ll be joining a passionate team committed to redefining wellness through transparency, quality, and cutting-edge solutions.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand based in Raleigh, NC, you can expect a highly attractive and comprehensive compensation package designed to reward leadership, innovation, and performance in a dynamic, fast-growing sector of the wellness industry. The remuneration for this executive role typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand typically ranges between $200,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on the size of the organization, the scope of the innovation function, and the candidate’s experience level. Companies leading in the health and wellness space often offer premium base compensation for top-tier talent.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Annual performance bonuses are commonly tied to metrics such as successful product launches, innovation pipeline milestones, time-to-market improvements, and revenue growth driven by new products. Bonus structures can add 20% to 75% of the base salary, depending on the achievement of predefined innovation and commercial targets.

3. Equity & Long-Term Incentives
As part of the total compensation, the Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand may receive equity grants or stock options, particularly if the company is in high-growth or pre-IPO stages. These incentives are designed to reward long-term value creation and align leadership objectives with company performance.

4. Innovation Milestone Incentives
Some wellness companies offer milestone-based incentives tied to specific innovation KPIs, such as regulatory approval of a new product line, commercialization of breakthrough formulas, or successful partnerships with key suppliers or research institutions.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
The role includes an executive-level benefits package that may consist of:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans or retirement savings programs with company contributions
Professional development budgets and wellness stipends
Paid travel to industry conferences, R&D summits, and innovation expos
Flexible work arrangements and generous PTO policies

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly qualified candidates, the company may offer a signing bonus or relocation assistance, especially if the move to Raleigh, NC is required. These one-time incentives can range from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the candidate’s background and negotiation.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and perks, the total compensation for a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand can range from $300,000 to $700,000+ annually, depending on company performance, funding stage, and individual contributions. In high-growth or investor-backed supplement brands, this total can be significantly higher over time.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary innovation leader with a passion for transforming wellness through science-backed product development, we invite you to apply for the position of Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand in Raleigh, NC. This is an exciting opportunity to drive innovation strategy, lead product pipeline development, and shape the future of a dynamic and fast-growing wellness company.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in product innovation, functional supplement development, team leadership, R&D oversight, and market-driven strategy execution. Highlight your accomplishments in launching successful wellness products, managing innovation portfolios, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and navigating regulatory frameworks.

This role offers a high-impact career path where you will play a critical role in elevating the company’s product offerings, brand reputation, and customer value proposition. Apply today to take the next big step in your executive journey as a Chief Innovation Officer with a Functional Supplement Brand based in Raleigh, NC!

For more information or to explore additional executive wellness and innovation opportunities, visit our Nutraceuticals Executive Search Firm Page.

Job Category: Nutraceuticals

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Raleigh

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