Director, Quality - Innovation

About the Role

The Director, Quality – Innovation is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the quality strategy within the innovation pipeline. This position leads a dedicated team that partners with Research, Development & Engineering (RD&E) and Marketing to embed a quality‑first mindset into product development. The role ensures that new products meet rigorous quality standards, deliver exceptional customer experience, and align with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Define and champion the quality strategy for innovation projects, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and customer expectations. Serve as the executive voice for quality within innovation forums, influencing decisions at the highest levels.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Innovation Quality team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Allocate resources effectively to support multiple innovation projects across global markets.
• Cross‑Functional Partnership: Collaborate with RD&E and Marketing leadership to integrate quality principles into product design, development, and commercialization processes. Drive early engagement in concept development to proactively identify risks and ensure robust design controls.
• Governance & Process Excellence: Establish and maintain quality frameworks for innovation, including stage‑gate processes, risk management, and validation protocols. Implement metrics and reporting systems to monitor quality performance and provide visibility to senior leadership.
• Customer‑Centric Focus: Ensure voice‑of‑customer insights and market feedback are embedded into product requirements and quality standards. Lead post‑launch reviews to capture learnings and drive continuous improvement in future innovation cycles.

Required Experience

• 12+ years of experience in quality leadership roles, including at least 5 years managing teams in innovation or product development environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master’s degree in engineering, science, or chemistry.
• Expertise in quality systems, design controls, and risk‑management methodologies (FMEA, DOE, Six Sigma).
• Experience in FMCG, pharma, cosmetics, or food industries.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross‑functional initiatives in complex, fast‑paced settings.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic‑thinking skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards relevant to the industry.
• Professional certifications (ASQ CQE, Six Sigma Black Belt) are a plus.
• Strong execution drive and ability to influence individuals both upwards and downwards.
• Building organizational relationships and visionary thinking in highly complex environments.
• Leadership versatility and ability to manage remote teams.
• High‑impact delivery and focus on stakeholder success.

Job Details

• Full‑time position.
• Eligible for domestic relocation.
• Remote work available one day per week for eligible employees.