AAK · 10 hours ago
Commercial Innovation Director
Edison, NJ
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$197K/yr - $329K/yr
15+ years expAAK is the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing over 4,000 people globally. The Commercial Innovation Director will lead and evolve AAK’s technical organization in North America, ensuring the delivery of high-value solutions that drive business growth and customer satisfaction.
Food Production
Responsibilities
Lead and grow a talented technical team across multiple technical functions (Operations, Applications, Research) to deliver top-tier support, innovation, and customer solutions
Build a strong, well-balanced team with the right mix of scientific expertise and commercial thinking by hiring, developing, and organizing for long-term success
Be a key voice on the North America Leadership Team, helping shape business strategy, annual plans, and financial goals
Work closely with Sales and Marketing to set annual sales budget targets and make sure technical priorities support those targets
Own the technical department’s cost center budget, including costs for team operations and labs (applications labs and wet chemistry labs)
Oversee all technical and customer-driven projects, making sure they are sufficient to reach our growth targets, and they align with industry growth plans and our specialty strategy
Turn customer feedback and market trends into actionable technical plans and innovation roadmaps
Track and report key metrics (KPI’s) that show how the technical team is driving impact, from operational efficiency to customer engagement to innovation results
Represent and broaden AAK’s technical strengths externally at customer meetings, industry events, and through thought leadership
Establish a strong bridge between global and North American technical teams — ensuring that centrally driven strategies are effectively adapted, executed, and aligned with regional priorities, while promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration across geographies
Make sure we have strong processes for launching new products, solving technical issues, and sharing knowledge across teams
Support compliance, intellectual property, and regulatory needs tied to our technical work
Promote a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement across the organization
Qualification
Required
Advanced technical degree (PhD or MS in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field) and MBA strongly preferred
15+ years of experience in technical, innovation, or R&D roles within food ingredients, specialty chemicals, or related industries
Proven ability to lead and grow high-performing technical teams by building trust, listening actively, and empowering subject matter experts to take ownership and lead from their strengths
Strong commercial acumen with experience collaborating closely with Sales and Marketing to drive business growth
Strategic thinker with a track record of translating customer and market insights into actionable technical strategies
Confident decision-maker with enough technical depth to challenge ideas, guide strategies, and make informed calls — without needing to be the subject matter expert
Strong presence and credibility with senior leadership and commercial teams; able to represent technical priorities clearly and persuasively
Experience building customer intimacy and uncovering unmet needs through direct engagement and market exploration
Skilled in project management, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration across regional and global teams
Comfortable representing the company externally through industry events, customer meetings, and thought leadership
Benefits
Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offer potential for you to progress your future career
Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire
Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500
We match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3%
Free Life and Disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans
Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more
Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities
Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition
Company
AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Naren Mansharamani
Chief Financial Officer & Secretary to Board (Food Industry)
Samantha Pennello
HR Business Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase