Director, Global Innovation

Director, Global Innovation & Portfolio Integration

Chicago, IL – Downtown | Hybrid – 3 Days in Office | Relocation Assistance Available

A high-impact innovation leadership opportunity with a leading global consumer products organization.

Our client is a well-established, global consumer products company with a diverse portfolio of highly recognized brands across multiple categories. The organization is continuing to invest in innovation and portfolio growth, bringing together global capabilities and local market expertise to deliver products that resonate with consumers.

They are seeking a Director of Global Innovation & Portfolio Integration to lead the U.S. execution of global innovation strategies while overseeing the integration, prioritization, and communication of the overall innovation pipeline.

Deep innovation experience within a CPG organization is required. This is an opportunity for an experienced innovation leader who has taken products from strategy through commercialization and understands how to manage complex portfolios, align cross-functional teams, and influence senior-level business decisions.

The Opportunity

This role will serve as a key connection point between global and U.S. innovation teams, ensuring global strategies translate into commercially viable, regionally relevant initiatives.

You will lead a team of three marketing professionals and play an important role in shaping innovation priorities, identifying pipeline opportunities, and communicating the overall portfolio strategy to senior leadership and key customers.

What You'll Do

\n
• Lead U.S. execution of global innovation strategies, ensuring alignment with regional commercial priorities and growth objectives.
\n
• Serve as the primary liaison between global and U.S. innovation teams, identifying pipeline gaps, risks, and opportunities.
\n
• Oversee the full innovation portfolio across brands, platforms, and time horizons, ensuring initiatives are strategically aligned and prioritized.
\n
• Develop compelling portfolio narratives, business cases, and project updates for senior leadership and key customer discussions.
\n
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of two Senior Brand Managers and one Senior Associate Brand Manager.
\n
• Drive strategic thinking, prioritization, and execution across the innovation team.
\n
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to move complex initiatives from strategy through commercialization.
\n
• Bring clarity and alignment to a complex innovation pipeline, ensuring the right opportunities receive focus and resources.
\n

What We're Looking For

\n
• 10–15+ years of experience in brand management, innovation, or marketing leadership within a CPG organization.
\n
• Deep, hands-on innovation experience is a must. Candidates should have a strong track record leading complex innovation initiatives from strategy through commercialization.
\n
• Experience managing innovation pipelines and integrating multiple projects, brands, or platforms.
\n
• Experience working with global or multi-market teams and translating global strategies into regional execution.
\n
• Proven people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and talent development.
\n
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into clear strategic recommendations and business narratives.
\n
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
\n
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
\n

Why Consider This Opportunity?

\n
• Lead innovation strategy for a portfolio of well-established consumer brands.
\n
• Influence global-to-U.S. innovation priorities and commercialization.
\n
• Work with senior leadership and cross-functional teams on high-impact business initiatives.
\n
• Lead and develop an experienced team of marketing professionals.
\n
• Join a global organization with significant resources and a continued focus on innovation and growth.
\n