JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations, is thrilled to announce a pivotal search for a visionary Head of Innovation (Snacking).
This is an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of the snacking industry, driving groundbreaking product development and strategic innovation for a highly respected and rapidly growing consumer packaged goods (CPG) company.
If you possess a relentless passion for food science, a proven track record in commercializing innovative snack products, and the leadership acumen to inspire and guide a world-class team, we invite you to explore this impactful role.
Role Overview for Head of Innovation (Snacking)
As the Head of Innovation (Snacking), you will be the strategic architect behind our client’s next generation of market-leading snack products. This executive-level position demands a unique blend of scientific expertise, commercial savvy, and creative foresight. You will be responsible for defining and executing the innovation roadmap, from conceptualization and research to development, testing, and successful market launch. Your influence will span the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that our client remains at the forefront of consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainable practices within the dynamic snacking landscape.
Reporting directly to senior leadership, you will lead a diverse team of R&D professionals, food scientists, and product developers, fostering a culture of experimentation, agility, and excellence. This role is not merely about creating new products; it’s about identifying unmet consumer needs, anticipating future trends, and translating complex scientific insights into tangible, delicious, and commercially viable snack solutions. You will champion a data-driven approach, leveraging market research, sensory analysis, and consumer insights to inform every stage of the innovation process.
The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker capable of balancing long-term vision with short-term execution, all while maintaining a keen eye on profitability and market share growth. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s competitive advantage and its ability to capture new segments within the ever-evolving global snacking market. This role offers unparalleled visibility and the chance to leave a significant legacy within the CPG sector.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Innovation (Snacking)
Strategic Innovation Leadership
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy for the snacking portfolio, aligned with overall business objectives and market trends. Identify emerging technologies, ingredients, and consumer behaviors to drive future growth.
Product Roadmap Development
Create and manage a robust pipeline of new product concepts, ensuring a balanced mix of incremental improvements, product line extensions, and disruptive innovations across various snacking categories (e.g., savory, sweet, healthy, indulgent).
Research & Development Management
Oversee all aspects of R&D, from ideation and concept validation to prototype development, formulation optimization, process development, and scale-up for commercial production. Ensure scientific rigor and adherence to food safety and quality standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure seamless product development and launch processes. Act as a key liaison, translating technical details into business implications and vice-versa.
Market & Consumer Insights
Champion the use of advanced market research, consumer insights, and sensory evaluation techniques to deeply understand consumer needs, preferences, and purchase drivers. Translate these insights into compelling product attributes.
Intellectual Property & Regulatory Compliance
Safeguard intellectual property through patenting strategies. Ensure all new products comply with local, national, and international food regulations, labeling requirements, and industry standards.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of R&D scientists and innovation specialists. Foster an environment of creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability.
Budget Management
Manage the innovation budget effectively, allocating resources to projects with the highest potential ROI. Monitor project costs and timelines to ensure efficient execution.
Supplier & Partner Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with external research institutions, ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers, and technology partners to leverage external expertise and accelerate innovation.
Sustainability Integration
Drive sustainable innovation initiatives, exploring eco-friendly ingredients, packaging solutions, and production processes that align with corporate social responsibility goals and evolving consumer values.
Commercialization & Launch Support
Provide critical technical support during product commercialization, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring successful transition from pilot to full-scale production. Support marketing and sales teams with technical product information and training.
Trend Forecasting
Proactively monitor global food and snacking trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to identify opportunities and threats, ensuring the company stays ahead of evolving consumer demands and market trends. For more insights into the future of food innovation, explore the latest food and beverage trends.
Requirements for the Head of Innovation (Snacking)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline is required. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is highly preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in Research & Development, Product Innovation, or similar roles within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, with a significant focus on the snacking category.
Leadership
Proven track record of leading, inspiring, and developing high-performing R&D and innovation teams. Experience managing complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.
Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, processing technologies relevant to snacking products (e.g., extrusion, baking, frying), shelf-life stability, and sensory science.
Commercial Acumen
Strong business acumen with a clear understanding of how innovation drives commercial success. Experience in translating consumer insights into profitable product launches.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop and execute long-term innovation strategies while managing short-term operational demands. Experience with stage-gate innovation processes.
Communication
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and senior leadership. Strong presentation skills are essential.
Problem-Solving
Demonstrated ability to identify challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective, innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and other relevant food safety and labeling regulations.
Creativity & Curiosity
A natural innovator with an insatiable curiosity for food, ingredients, and consumer behavior.
Location
While the role is expected to be based remotely, some travel for team meetings, plant visits, and industry conferences will be required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees as its most important asset and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
Competitive Salary & Bonus
A robust base salary complemented by a performance-based bonus structure.
Comprehensive Health Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
Generous 401(k) matching program to support your financial future.
Paid Time Off
Ample vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and career advancement.
Work-Life Balance
Flexible work arrangements and a supportive company culture.
Impactful Work
The chance to lead transformative innovation and make a significant impact on a beloved brand and the broader snacking industry.
Dynamic Culture
Join a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking team committed to excellence and consumer satisfaction.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary leader passionate about food innovation and ready to drive the next wave of snacking excellence, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is committed to connecting exceptional talent with unparalleled opportunities. To express your interest in this Head of Innovation (Snacking) position, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and career aspirations through our portal.
For more information on how JRG Partners excels in executive search within this domain, we invite you to explore our CPG & Food & Beverage practice area.
We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially partnering with you on this exciting career journey. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our client’s company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
