Chief Innovation Officer

Our client, a baked goods and dessert producer, is searching for a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). This position reports to the President and will lead and manage the company’s innovation strategy, driving growth and value through continuous improvement in automation, processes, and other key areas.

The CIO will primarily focus on innovation, enhancing operational efficiency and integrating advanced technologies within the bakery.

The CIO will also oversee Research & Development (R&D) to ensure alignment with the company’s strategic goals. Future responsibilities may also include oversight of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), further enhancing product excellence and operational standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Innovation Strategy Development :
• Develop and implement a comprehensive innovation strategy focused on continuous improvement in automation, manufacturing processes, and other key operational areas.
• Identify and assess emerging technologies and market opportunities within the cake and bakery industry.
• Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality through innovative solutions.
• Drive the adoption of advanced technologies such as robotics, AI, and IoT to optimize bakery operations.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement process improvements and streamline workflows.
• R&D Leadership :
• Oversee the R&D department, ensuring that projects align with strategic objectives and are executed efficiently.
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, creativity, and collaboration within the R&D team.
• Ensure that R&D initiatives contribute to the overall innovation roadmap.
• Cross-functional Collaboration :
• Work closely with other senior leaders to integrate innovation across all departments.
• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution of innovation projects.
• Coordinate with product development teams to translate innovative ideas into market-ready products.
• Project Management :
• Manage the portfolio of innovation and R&D projects, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Implement project management best practices to track progress, mitigate risks, and achieve milestones.
• External Partnerships :
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with external organizations, including academic institutions, startups, and industry groups.
• Explore opportunities for co-development, joint ventures, and licensing agreements.
• Innovation Culture :
• Champion a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging employees to contribute ideas and engage in innovative thinking.
• Develop and implement programs to support employee-driven innovation initiatives.
• Performance Measurement :
• Establish key performance indicators to measure the success of innovation and R&D initiatives.
• Regularly report on innovation metrics to the executive team and stakeholders.
• Leadership and Vision
• The ability to inspire and motivate teams to embrace continuous improvement initiatives.
• The capacity to develop and communicate a clear vision for continuous improvement aligned with the company's goal

DESIRED PROFILE :

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Engineering, Food Science, Technology).
• Proven experience in a senior innovation or R&D leadership role.
• Strong understanding of innovation processes, continuous improvement methodologies, and market trends in the food industry, specifically bakery products.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the food manufacturing industry, specifically bakery or confectionery.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management.
• Experience with digital transformation and technology-driven innovation.
30+ days ago