Senior Innovation Leader - A&H Animal Nutrition

At Arm & Hammer Animal and Food Production we think big on a microscopic level to deliver safe feed and food solutions that drive businesses forward.We're nutritional innovators and microbial pioneers who have dedicated their careers to becoming a positive force for animals, consumers and worldwide food security.As a rapidly growing organization, we are seeking passionate and creative individuals dedicated to continued growth of our brands.

Job Location: Waukesha, WI or Ewing, NJ (Hybrid schedule - 3 days per week in office)

Job Summary:

The Senior Innovation Leader is responsible for driving the strategic development and execution of innovative projects within Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition (AHAN). This role will steer new product development, lead innovation and drive pipeline growth aligned with business strategy.

As a Senior Innovation Leader, you will be at the forefront of driving cutting-edge strategies and initiatives that propel our organization into new frontiers of growth and excellence. You will be responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing innovative solutions that align with our strategic goals and market demands. This role requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of emerging trends, technologies, and business models.

Key Responsibilities:

Innovation Strategy:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to define the innovation strategy for AHAN and identify key areas for growth and improvement.
• Develop and maintain a short-term and long-term pipeline of innovative ideas and projects that align with the division's strategic objectives and accelerate growth.
• Attend industry conferences to identify new technologies and potential partners.

Innovation Management:

• Implement a stage-gate process to manage the innovation pipeline from ideation to commercialization.
• Lead innovation review meetings to assess progress and make data-driven decisions.
• Utilize market research and customer insights to identify unmet needs and guide product development.
• Lead Open Innovation sessions to generate new ideas externally
• Manage New Product Development R&D team

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Facilitate collaboration among cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, finance, and operations to drive innovation initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between departments to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration by organizing workshops, brainstorming sessions, and other activities.

Resource Management:

• Identify and allocate necessary resources, including personnel, budget, and technology, to support innovation projects.
• Manage external partnerships and vendor relationships to leverage additional expertise and resources.

Performance Measurement:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate the success of innovation projects.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.
• Continuously monitor and report on the impact of innovation initiatives on business performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, Agricultural Science, Innovation Management, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience leading new product development/innovation teams in the animal nutrition industry, proven experience in scientific/technical management roles.
• Business-minded strategic leadership experience driving portfolio growth.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively to solve complex problems.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to drive change and foster a culture of innovation within an organization.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and deliver results aligned with business objectives.

Travel Expectations:

• 10-25% (domestic and international)

Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/