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Innovation Procurement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct research on current and emerging technologies in support of innovation procurement and development efforts and recommend high-fit solutions. * Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and ...

Leverage market intelligence and industry trends to deliver innovation, competitive advantage, and enhanced supplier value. * Ensure procurement activities and supplier agreements align with Formula ...

Leverage market intelligence and industry trends to deliver innovation, competitive advantage, and enhanced supplier value. * Ensure procurement activities and supplier agreements align with Formula ...

Leverage market intelligence and industry trends to deliver innovation, competitive advantage, and enhanced supplier value. * Ensure procurement activities and supplier agreements align with Formula ...

Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in ... The Procurement Manager leads category management and strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize ...

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Innovation Procurement information

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How much do innovation procurement jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for innovation procurement in the United States is $31.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is the salary for procurement?

The salary for an Innovation Procurement professional varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced specialists or managers can earn higher salaries, often with additional benefits and bonuses.

What is innovation procurement?

Innovation procurement is a process where organizations seek to acquire new or improved products, services, or solutions by integrating innovative approaches into their purchasing strategies. It often involves collaboration with startups, research institutions, or suppliers to foster technological advancements and may require specialized knowledge of procurement laws and innovation management. This approach helps organizations stay competitive and address complex challenges through innovative solutions.

Is procurement a stressful career?

Procurement professionals, including those in innovation procurement, often face pressure to meet deadlines, manage supplier relationships, and control costs, which can contribute to stress. However, the level of stress varies depending on the organization, workload, and individual skills such as negotiation and project management. Developing strong communication and organizational skills can help manage stress in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Innovation Procurement, and why are they important?

To thrive in Innovation Procurement, you need expertise in procurement processes, supply chain management, and an understanding of emerging technologies, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or supply chain management. Familiarity with e-procurement tools, contract management systems, and certifications such as CIPS or CPSM is common. Strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments set top professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for driving value, managing risk, and fostering innovation through strategic sourcing and supplier partnerships.

How does an Innovation Procurement professional typically collaborate with internal and external stakeholders during the procurement process?

Innovation Procurement professionals regularly work cross-functionally, engaging with R&D, legal, finance, and operational teams to identify organizational needs and set procurement objectives. They also facilitate communication with external suppliers, startups, or technology partners to explore novel solutions and negotiate contracts. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills, the ability to manage diverse interests, and a proactive approach to aligning procurement strategies with broader innovation goals. This teamwork ensures that the solutions sourced are both innovative and practical for the organization's needs.

What are careers in innovation?

Careers in innovation involve developing new ideas, products, or processes to improve efficiency, competitiveness, or customer experience. Roles may include innovation manager, R&D specialist, or product developer, often requiring skills in creativity, problem-solving, and familiarity with emerging technologies or methodologies like design thinking. These careers are common in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and consulting.

What is the difference between Innovation Procurement vs Procurement Specialist?

AspectInnovation ProcurementProcurement Specialist
CredentialsRelevant certifications like CPSM, C.P.M., or similarSimilar certifications, often including CPSM or C.P.M.
Work EnvironmentFocus on sourcing innovative solutions, working with R&D teamsTraditional purchasing, supplier management across various industries
Employer & IndustryTech, manufacturing, government agencies emphasizing innovationRetail, manufacturing, government, and corporate sectors

Innovation Procurement and Procurement Specialist roles share common certifications and work environments but differ in focus. Innovation Procurement emphasizes sourcing cutting-edge solutions and collaborating with R&D teams, while Procurement Specialists handle standard purchasing processes. Both roles are vital in their respective fields, with Innovation Procurement often working in more dynamic, innovation-driven settings.

More about Innovation Procurement jobs
What cities are hiring for Innovation Procurement jobs? Cities with the most Innovation Procurement job openings:
What states have the most Innovation Procurement jobs? States with the most job openings for Innovation Procurement jobs include:
Infographic showing various Innovation Procurement job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,936 per year, or $31.7 per hour.
Manager, Procurement - Innovation (HDM)

Manager, Procurement - Innovation (HDM)

Kraft Heinz Company

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 395 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Procurement Manager for Innovation connects Kraft Heinz business strategy, brand ambition, and supplier capability to bring new products to life. This role sits at the center of innovation, partnering across the business and with external suppliers to identify new concepts, unlock emerging technologies, and enable strong commercialization outcomes. This innovation procurement role is designed to embed procurement early in the innovation process, anticipate future supplier capabilities, and translate business and brand strategy into scalable supplier solutions. The role also connects business unit innovation with core procurement teams - including Ingredients, Packaging, and External Manufacturing - to ensure preferred supplier alignment, supplier readiness, contracting, and seamless launch execution. For externally manufactured innovation, this role leads end-to-end sourcing and commercialization support, from supplier selection and contracting through onboarding, development, launch, and early lifecycle management. After launch, the role ensures a smooth transition to the appropriate base business procurement team. The ideal candidate is strategic, collaborative, digitally savvy, and energized by the opportunity to shape what's next. They are curious by nature, strong in influence and storytelling, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and passionate about building supplier partnerships that accelerate innovation and drive growth.Job Description
Primary Responsibilities
  • Partner with brand, business, and cross-functional teams to understand innovation strategy, pipeline priorities, and future capability requirements

  • Identify and develop supplier partners that can enable innovation strategy, conduct continuous landscape assessments for the category, elevate commercialization, and unlock new growth opportunities through proactively shaping supplier partnerships to meet business needs

  • Bring forward innovation concepts, supplier capabilities, and emerging technologies by building strong external partnerships and staying connected to market developments

  • Serve as a key connector between business unit innovation and core procurement teams, including Ingredients, Packaging, and External Manufacturing, to align preferred suppliers, supplier readiness, contracting, and launch support for internally manufactured innovation

  • Support internal innovation commercialization by ensuring procurement readiness and strong coordination across the relevant procurement categories and stakeholders

  • Lead external manufacturing sourcing and commercialization activities for applicable innovation projects, including supplier identification, strategic sourcing, commercial negotiation, IP and CAPEX considerations, contracting, onboarding, and supplier ways-of-working setup

  • Act as the primary point of contact for external manufacturing innovation partners through development, commercialization, launch, and early lifecycle support

  • Drive supplier relationship management for innovation partners, including performance management, collaboration routines, issue resolution, and launch readiness

  • Lead problem solving during commercialization and launch to ensure speed, continuity, and strong cross-functional execution

  • Transition launched products, supplier relationships, and contract ownership to the appropriate business procurement team after stabilization

  • Conduct supplier and market landscape analysis to identify new partners, innovation opportunities, and competitive advantages

  • Drive continuous improvement, process efficiency, and best practices across innovation sourcing, supplier collaboration, and commercialization processes

  • Facilitate cross-functional forums (working with finance, operations, marketing, sales, legal, quality, R&D) and lead working sessions that strengthen alignment, simplify complexity, and improve procurement's impact on innovation delivery

  • Execute supplier segmentation and supplier relationship management routines in line with Kraft Heinz principles, including business reviews and continuous improvement across quality, service, sustainability, cost, and performance

  • Execute supplier led innovation through Supplier relationships and internal stakeholder management aligning capabilities and technology with the needs of the business. Foster collaboration between Kraft Heinz and external partners to unlock growth and value and manage additional responsibilities as assigned.

Expected Experience & Required Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in supply chain, operations, finance, business, engineering, or a related field; MBA and/or advanced procurement qualifications preferred

  • Experience in Procurement, including areas such as Ingredients, Packaging, CAPEX, External Manufacturing, or related categories; Finance or process engineering experience is also valued

  • Knowledge of food or beverage manufacturing processes and commercialization environments

  • Strong negotiation and influence skills, with the ability to shape decisions and build alignment across internal and external stakeholders

  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across matrixed teams, functions, and supplier networks

  • Adaptability and resilience through change, with the ability to stay effective in fast-moving and evolving environments

  • Digital savviness and basic knowledge of business intelligence tools such as Tableau and Power BI

  • Literacy in and curiosity about AI solutions, with interest in how they can improve insight generation, decision making, and ways of working

  • Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to connect procurement decisions to brand, category, and business strategy

  • Passion for developing new products and partnering with suppliers on new technologies and innovation opportunities

  • Ability to prioritize effectively, balance competing priorities, assess trade-offs, and focus time and resources on the highest-value work to deliver innovation with speed and rigor

  • Intellectual curiosity and a growth mindset, with a willingness to challenge assumptions and embrace the art of the possible

  • Advanced storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling messages for different audiences. Strong written, verbal, and analytical skills, as well as interpersonal and presentation skills.

  • Change leadership capability, including the ability to influence adoption, align stakeholders, and move work from concept to execution

  • Risk sensing and scenario planning capability, with the ability to anticipate issues, evaluate alternatives, and build practical paths forward

  • Strong process orientation and continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to drive efficiencies, simplify complexity, and establish scalable best practices

  • Strong analytical, planning, and execution skills, with attention to detail across multiple priorities and projects

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and have an understanding for source-to-pay tools (SAP, Ariba, etc.).

  • Ability to quickly develop a level of organizational agility, i.e., know how to get things done both through formal and informal channels.

Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered aNormal office environment with limited travel or visits to external locations; offices are open workspacesTo create a more agile and modern workplace, we allow Chicago/Aon Center based employees to work virtually for up to two days each week and expect them to work in-person during the defined core days at their assigned work location at least three days per workweek.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$104,200.00 - $130,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Chicago/Aon Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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