McCain Foods Seeks Innovation Leader in Oakbrook Terrace
– McCain Foods is actively recruiting a Senior Director to spearhead its global innovation efforts, with a focus on both its potato and snacking product lines. The position, based in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, represents a key strategic investment by the company in future growth and product development.
Multiple postings detail the role, with slightly differing titles – Sr. Director, R&D – Global Platform Innovation and Sr Director, Global Innovation – but converging on a core set of responsibilities. The successful candidate will be tasked with establishing a clear vision and strategy for innovation platforms across McCain’s diverse portfolio.
According to a job posting on LinkedIn, the Sr. Director will be “accountable for setting the vision, strategy, and execution of McCain’s global innovation platforms.” This includes not only developing new products but also identifying and forging strategic partnerships to accelerate the innovation pipeline. The role is described as pivotal in shaping the company’s long-term innovation strategy and fostering a culture of insight-led growth.
The position reports to the VP, Global Marketing, and will involve leading a small team of direct reports, alongside close collaboration with regional marketing and innovation teams worldwide. This global scope underscores the importance McCain places on a unified and coordinated approach to innovation.
The Sr. Director will be responsible for defining and executing a global innovation roadmap that aligns with McCain’s overall corporate growth objectives, category strategies, and sustainability commitments. A key aspect of the role involves championing global innovation platforms designed to deliver incremental growth and solidify McCain’s position as a leader in the frozen and prepared foods market.
The job description emphasizes a consumer-centric approach to product development, highlighting the need for breakthrough innovation platforms driven by a deep understanding of consumer needs and preferences. The role also requires a focus on ensuring pipeline sufficiency – maintaining a robust and consistent flow of new ideas and products.
Compensation for the position is competitive, with a base pay range of $165,000 to $220,000 annually, as advertised on LinkedIn. Another posting on Built In Chicago lists a salary range of $146,000 to $195,000 annually.
McCain Foods is seeking a candidate who is ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences, according to company statements. The company emphasizes a customer-first mindset and a commitment to making business interactions easy and efficient.
The search for a Sr. Director of Global Innovation comes as McCain Foods continues to navigate a rapidly evolving food landscape. The company faces increasing competition and changing consumer demands, making innovation a critical driver of future success. The role is seen as essential for ensuring McCain remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering innovative products that meet the needs of consumers around the world.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through LinkedIn or other job boards. Andrea Hoerner, Corporate Talent Manager at McCain Foods, is listed as a contact for inquiries.
