Vice President of Innovation – Consumer Packaged Goods
Are you a forward-thinking leader with a passion for driving innovation in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry? We are seeking a Vice President of Innovation to lead transformative product development and strategic growth initiatives in Charlotte, NC. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic CPG company, spearhead cutting-edge innovation, and deliver market-leading solutions. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and excel at fostering a culture of creativity and excellence, this role is for you.
Lead Innovation and Growth in a Leading CPG Company
A leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company in Charlotte, NC is looking for a Vice President of Innovation to drive its product strategy and market expansion. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in innovation leadership, a strong understanding of consumer trends, and a proven ability to bring breakthrough products to market. If you have a passion for leading R&D, optimizing product pipelines, and building competitive differentiation, this is your chance to redefine industry standards and shape the future of CPG innovation.
Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Innovation – Consumer Packaged Goods
Innovation Strategy & Vision
Develop and execute a forward-thinking innovation strategy that aligns with market trends, consumer demands, and business objectives. Foster a culture of creativity and breakthrough thinking to maintain a competitive edge in the CPG industry.
Product Development & Lifecycle Management
Lead the research, development, and launch of new products, ensuring alignment with consumer needs and market opportunities. Oversee product lifecycle management, optimizing existing portfolios while driving the commercialization of new offerings.
Market & Consumer Insights
Leverage data-driven research and consumer analytics to identify emerging trends, unmet needs, and white space opportunities. Utilize insights to create differentiated, high-value products that resonate with target audiences.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with R&D, marketing, supply chain, and sales teams to integrate innovation into all aspects of the business. Ensure seamless coordination between departments to accelerate product development and market execution.
Technology & Process Optimization
Identify and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance product innovation, speed-to-market, and cost efficiencies. Drive continuous improvement in R&D capabilities, formulation processes, and packaging advancements.
Brand Growth & Market Expansion
Support brand positioning and category expansion through innovative product introductions. Collaborate with marketing teams to develop go-to-market strategies that maximize impact and consumer engagement.
Financial & Performance Management
Ensure innovation initiatives align with financial goals, balancing creativity with profitability. Manage budgets, investments, and ROI analysis to maximize the effectiveness of innovation programs.
Supplier & Partner Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers, and industry leaders to drive innovation opportunities. Leverage collaborations to access new technologies, materials, and market insights.
Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability
Ensure all innovation projects adhere to industry regulations, quality standards, and sustainability goals. Drive eco-friendly initiatives in packaging, ingredient sourcing, and production processes to enhance corporate responsibility.
Leadership & Team Development
Cultivate a high-performing innovation team by attracting, mentoring, and developing top talent. Foster a dynamic, results-driven environment that encourages experimentation, agility, and collaboration.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Vice President of Innovation – Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), the client seeks a visionary leader who can drive transformative product development, anticipate market trends, and foster a culture of creativity. You should be a strategic innovator with a strong track record of launching successful products and delivering business growth in the competitive CPG landscape.
Proven Experience in CPG Innovation
The client is looking for a seasoned professional with deep expertise in product development, innovation strategy, and market disruption within the CPG industry. You should have experience leading R&D teams, driving product differentiation, and successfully bringing new consumer products to market. A background in managing large-scale innovation pipelines and executing go-to-market strategies is highly valued.
Strategic Thinker with a Growth Mindset
As VP of Innovation, you must be able to develop and implement long-term innovation roadmaps that align with business goals. The ideal candidate will have experience in identifying new market opportunities, leveraging consumer insights, and optimizing the product development process to accelerate growth. The client values leaders who can blend creative thinking with analytical decision-making to drive success.
Strong Understanding of Consumer Trends
A deep understanding of consumer preferences, behavior patterns, and emerging industry trends is essential. The client seeks an innovation leader who can translate data-driven insights into compelling product concepts that meet evolving customer needs and expectations.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
The ability to work effectively across departments—including R&D, marketing, supply chain, and sales—is critical. You should be skilled at leading diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that innovation efforts are seamlessly integrated across the organization. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are a must.
Technical & Process Expertise
The client values a candidate with a strong grasp of product formulation, packaging innovation, and manufacturing processes. Experience in emerging technologies, sustainable packaging solutions, and supply chain optimization will be an advantage.
Financial & Commercial Acumen
While creativity is key, the role also requires a keen focus on financial performance. You should be able to evaluate the commercial viability of new products, manage budgets effectively, and ensure that innovation initiatives contribute to the company’s profitability and market position.
Commitment to Sustainability & Compliance
The ideal candidate should have experience driving sustainable innovation efforts, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and integrating ethical business practices into product development. A commitment to environmentally responsible solutions and corporate social responsibility is highly valued.
FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Innovation – Consumer Packaged Goods
1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Innovation in this role?
As the Vice President of Innovation, you will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s innovation strategy, leading product development, and identifying market trends to drive growth. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring new products to market, optimize R&D processes, and ensure alignment with business objectives. Additionally, you will focus on consumer insights, sustainability, and emerging technologies to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in product innovation, R&D, or brand development within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. A strong background in market research, product lifecycle management, and commercial strategy is essential. The client is looking for a leader with a proven track record of launching successful products, managing innovation pipelines, and driving business impact. An advanced degree in business, engineering, food science, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client seeks a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and the ability to inspire and lead teams. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability are crucial. You should be able to collaborate across departments, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and drive a culture of continuous improvement. An analytical mindset and the ability to translate consumer insights into successful product strategies are also key attributes.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
As VP of Innovation, you will navigate challenges such as rapidly changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and supply chain constraints. Balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness, ensuring regulatory compliance, and accelerating speed-to-market will also be key challenges. Additionally, you will need to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a long-term innovation pipeline.
5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Innovation on the company’s growth?
The VP of Innovation plays a critical role in shaping the company’s product portfolio and driving revenue growth. Your ability to identify new market opportunities, enhance brand positioning, and introduce breakthrough products will directly impact the company’s market share and long-term success.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company fosters a dynamic, fast-paced, and innovation-driven culture. They value leaders who encourage collaboration, experimentation, and strategic risk-taking. The organization supports continuous learning and development, providing opportunities to push boundaries and create industry-leading products.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Vice President of Innovation – Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), you can expect a highly competitive compensation package that reflects your strategic leadership role in driving product development, market expansion, and business growth. The remuneration for this position typically includes:
1. Base Salary
The base salary for a VP of Innovation in the CPG industry depends on factors such as company size, revenue, and market position. In mid-to-large-sized CPG companies, the annual base salary typically ranges from $200,000 to $350,000, with higher salaries offered in global corporations or high-growth companies.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
In addition to a base salary, most compensation packages include annual performance-based bonuses, tied to key business metrics such as successful product launches, revenue growth, and market impact. These bonuses generally range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on individual and company performance.
3. Equity & Stock Options
Many companies provide equity-based incentives, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or performance shares. These incentives align executive compensation with long-term company success and can significantly enhance total earnings, especially in publicly traded or high-growth firms.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) & Profit Sharing
Some organizations offer long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) that reward executives based on sustained innovation success, product profitability, and strategic business impact. Profit-sharing plans may also be available, offering additional financial incentives linked to company growth.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
Vice Presidents at this level typically receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
✅ Health, dental, and vision insurance
✅ 401(k) with company contributions or executive pension plans
✅ Company-provided vehicles or travel allowances
✅ Executive wellness programs
✅ Expense accounts for business development, conferences, and networking
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For highly sought-after candidates, companies may offer signing bonuses or relocation packages to secure top talent. These incentives can range from $25,000 to $200,000, depending on experience and the company’s compensation structure.
Total Compensation Potential
When factoring in base salary, bonuses, stock options, and long-term incentives, the total annual compensation for a VP of Innovation in CPG can range from $300,000 to $1 million or more in leading firms. High-growth companies and global organizations may offer even more competitive packages.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary and strategic leader with a strong background in driving innovation within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Innovation – CPG Industry role in Charlotte, NC. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of product development, spearhead new market strategies, and lead cross-functional teams to bring breakthrough innovations to the industry.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your expertise in product innovation, market expansion, brand development, and technology-driven solutions in the CPG sector. Highlight your ability to identify emerging consumer trends, develop disruptive product strategies, and collaborate with R&D, marketing, and supply chain teams to bring new ideas to life.
This role provides a high-impact leadership opportunity where you will be instrumental in transforming ideas into successful products, driving sustainable business growth, and strengthening the company’s market leadership.
📌 Apply today to take the next step in your executive career as a Vice President of Innovation – CPG Industry – Charlotte, NC!
For more details or to explore similar opportunities, visit our CPG Executive Recruiters Page.
Tags:
Vice President of Innovation | CPG Leadership | Product Development | Market Expansion | Consumer Trends | Brand Growth Strategy | R&D Collaboration | Executive Jobs in CPG Industry | Innovation Management
