What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Innovation position at Elmhurst® 1925?
About Elmhurst 1925
Elmhurst 1925 is a pioneer in plant-based dairy alternatives, known for its commitment to clean-label ingredients, innovative processing techniques, and exceptional product quality. Leveraging our proprietary HydroRelease™ technology, we transform simple, natural ingredients into nutritious, sustainable, and delicious plant-based beverages and foods. As a family-owned business with a rich dairy heritage, we are committed to driving the future of plant-based nutrition through groundbreaking innovation and consumer-centric solutions.
Position Overview
Elmhurst 1925 is seeking an experienced and visionary Vice President of Innovation to lead and oversee all aspects of product development, R&D, and commercialization. This role will drive the strategic innovation pipeline, from concept ideation to market launch, ensuring Elmhurst remains at the forefront of plant-based food and beverage innovation. The VP of Innovation will collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, marketing, operations, and sales to deliver differentiated, scalable, and commercially viable products that align with consumer trends and the company’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the innovation roadmap to support the company’s long-term vision, identifying breakthrough opportunities in plant-based foods, functional ingredients, and sustainable packaging.
- Product Development & R&D Oversight: Lead the formulation, testing, and commercialization of new products, ensuring they meet regulatory, nutritional, and sensory requirements.
- Technology & Process Innovation: Enhance Elmhurst’s proprietary HydroRelease™ technology and explore novel processing techniques to improve product texture, functionality, and nutritional value.
- Consumer & Market Insights: Utilize data-driven insights to identify emerging trends, unmet consumer needs, and white space opportunities for product innovation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, operations, supply chain, and sales teams to ensure seamless product launches and supply chain efficiency.
- External Partnerships: Establish and manage relationships with universities, research institutions, ingredient suppliers, and co-manufacturers to accelerate innovation.
- Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure all products comply with FDA, USDA, and international food regulations while aligning with Elmhurst’s sustainability commitments.
- Innovation Culture & Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing R&D and product development team, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field. PhD preferred but not required.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in food & beverage innovation, R&D, or product development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Industry Expertise: Proven track record in plant-based food and beverage development, functional ingredients, and/or alternative proteins.
- Technical Skills: Strong understanding of food chemistry, processing technologies, sensory evaluation, and ingredient functionality.
- Leadership & Business Acumen: Experience driving innovation strategies, managing large-scale product portfolios, and leading cross-functional teams.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with FDA, USDA, non-GMO, organic, and clean-label compliance standards.
- Problem-Solving & Creativity: Ability to think disruptively, solve complex product development challenges, and bring new-to-market innovations to life.
- Strong Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional ability to influence and work across teams, from technical experts to executive leadership.
Why Join Elmhurst 1925?
- Be a key leader in one of the fastest-growing plant-based food companies.
- Work with cutting-edge technology and shape the future of sustainable food innovation.
- Opportunity to drive category-defining innovations in a purpose-driven organization.
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial company culture with strong values and a long-term vision.