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Head Of Innovation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Richmond, VA · On-site

$174K - $305K/yr

Head of Flavor & Sensory Req Id: 3008 Work Model: Remote Company: Altria Client Services State ... By integrating technical expertise, insights, and innovation, this role will transform flavor and ...

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner ... The Head of Finance will also lead FP&A and cash management processes to include short and ...

Head of Software Engineering

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$251K/yr

The Head of Software Engineering oversees the Division's programmatic direction, personnel ... Fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

Head of Software Engineering

Charlottesville, VA · On-site +1

$251K/yr

The Head of Software Engineering oversees the Division's programmatic direction, personnel ... Fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

Head of Product Engineering Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Location: Herndon, VA (Hybrid ... Enhance an engineering culture centered on mission accountability, innovation, technical excellence ...

Head of Product Engineering Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Location: Herndon, VA (Hybrid ... Enhance an engineering culture centered on mission accountability, innovation, technical excellence ...

We're backed by Google's Gradient Ventures, Cathay Innovation, Scale Venture Partners, and more. We ... About the Role As Head of People , you will own the full People strategy at Range as we scale. This ...

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Showing results 1-20

Head Of Innovation information

See Virginia salary details

$138.3K

$158.6K

$176.5K

How much do head of innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for head of innovation in Virginia is $158,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,700.00 and $168,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head of innovation do?

A Head of Innovation is responsible for driving new ideas, strategies, and initiatives within an organization to foster growth and stay competitive. They lead teams to identify emerging trends, develop innovative products or services, and create a culture of creativity. This role often collaborates across departments to implement change and ensure innovative solutions align with business goals. Ultimately, the Head of Innovation helps the company adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head of innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Of Innovation, you need expertise in strategic thinking, project management, and a proven track record of leading creative initiatives, often supported by a relevant degree and leadership experience. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, data analytics tools, and agile methodologies is commonly required, along with knowledge of emerging technologies. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital to drive organizational transformation, foster a culture of innovation, and maintain a competitive edge.

How does the head of innovation typically collaborate with other departments to drive organizational change?

The Head of Innovation works closely with leaders and teams across departments—such as marketing, product development, and operations—to identify opportunities for improvement and implement new ideas. This role often involves facilitating cross-functional workshops, aligning innovation initiatives with company goals, and ensuring buy-in from key stakeholders. Regular communication and collaboration help to break down silos, foster a culture of creativity, and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions throughout the organization.

What is the difference between Head Of Innovation vs Innovation Manager?

AspectHead Of InnovationInnovation Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees innovation strategy, leads R&D initiatives, aligns innovation with business goalsManages specific innovation projects, supports idea development, implements innovation processes
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in business, engineering, or related fields; often advanced degrees or experience in innovation leadershipUsually requires a bachelor's or master's in business, engineering, or related areas; relevant experience in project management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, often in executive settingsOperational, project-focused, often within teams or departments

The Head Of Innovation generally holds a higher strategic leadership role, overseeing the company's innovation vision, while the Innovation Manager focuses on executing specific projects and supporting innovation initiatives. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but the Head Of Innovation is more involved in setting long-term strategies and leading innovation at an organizational level.

What are the job titles for head of innovation?

Job titles for the head of innovation often include Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), Director of Innovation, Vice President of Innovation, Innovation Manager, or Head of R&D. These roles focus on leading innovation strategies, managing R&D teams, and fostering new product development within organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Innovation jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Of Innovation jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Head Of Innovation jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Of Innovation jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Head Of Innovation jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Head Of Innovation job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Of Innovation job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,627 per year, or $76.3 per hour.

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Richmond, VA • On-site


Altria Group, Inc.
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$174K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Head of Flavor & Sensory
Req Id: 3008
Work Model: Remote
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Together We Innovate. Together We Change.
What if the next frontier of growth isn't just what we make, but how precisely we shape how it's experienced, and how flavor and sensory can become a scalable engine of innovation and connection? This role elevates them into a strategic lever, uniting science, insights, and product development to drive compelling experiences and stronger market impact.
We are actively recruiting the Head of Flavor & Sensory to join our Growth Organization in Richmond, VA or we are open to remote work arrangements. Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 30-40%.
The Head of Flavor & Sensory will own and lead a critical capability at the heart of product differentiation, translating flavor and sensory science into consumer preference and commercial advantage. By integrating technical expertise, insights, and innovation, this role will transform flavor and sensory into a strategic system that consistently delivers superior, consumer-winning experiences.
What you'll be doing:
Define Strategy and Superiority
• Define consumer-winning sensory ambition and translate insights into clear category targets and product priorities
• Establish "where to play/how to win" strategies and define superiority scorecards and evidence standards
Build Capability & Innovation
• Evolve flavor and sensory capabilities, standards, and differentiated product-experience systems
• Build benchmarking, modeling, long-term capability, talent, and innovation roadmap
Integrate the Capability System
• Integrate cross-functional expertise (sensory, R&D, analytics, regulatory, etc.) into a unified product-experience system
Enable Delivery, Govern Validation and Evidence
• Deploy capabilities into priority programs with clear ownership, portfolio management, and operating standards
• Define validation frameworks and integrate consumer, sensory, and technical evidence into decisions and learning loops
Lead the External Ecosystem and Knowledge System
• Build and manage strategic external partnerships to accelerate innovation
• Standardize knowledge capture and reuse across tools, insights, and future development
Measure Performance and Impact
• Define KPIs and use insights to improve delivery, resourcing, and ways of working
• Build team capability and succession pipeline to sustain long-term advantage
We want you to have:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in food science, Chemistry, Consumer Science, or a related technical field
  • 15+ years related experience in flavor, sensory, product development, consumer science or related technical fields
  • Experience leveraging external partners to accelerate capability and innovation design and technology development)
  • Demonstrated experience defining flavor, sensory, or product-experience strategy across categories or platforms.
  • Strong technical credibility across flavor, sensory, product development, and related analytical or product-science disciplines.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively as a system leader with internal and external stakeholders
  • Awareness of consumer-product trends, competitive developments, emerging technologies, and future category opportunities.
  • Occasional domestic and international travel may be required

As a People Leader at Altria, you are accountable for both results and the experience of your team. You drive alignment by connecting strategy to daily work, and you model collaboration by embracing diverse perspectives. By creating trust, offering feedback, and leading with authenticity, you help strengthen Altria's culture and deliver meaningful outcomes.
The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $174,700.00 - $305,650.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.


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