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Innovation Procurement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Manager, EMI - HDM

Chicago, IL · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Reporting to the Associate Director, External Manufacturing & Innovation Procurement, this role is responsible for translating business and category priorities into disciplined execution across the ...

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

Procurement Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

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 ...

The role will develop and implement a procurement function that delivers measurable value through cost optimization, supplier innovation, risk management, governance, and operational excellence ...

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Innovation Procurement information

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$15

$31

$53

How much do innovation procurement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in innovation procurement?

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 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.

What is innovation procurement?

Innovation procurement is a process where organizations 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 advancement and address complex challenges. Skills in market analysis, risk management, and understanding of emerging technologies are important in this role.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,936 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Procurement Lead, EMI - HDM

Chicago, IL • On-site


Kraft Heinz Company

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Procurement Lead, Innovation Procurement leads innovation procurement execution across a business unit by overseeing a team of Innovation Managers and enabling strong delivery of the innovation strategy across brands and platforms. Reporting to the Associate Director, External Manufacturing & Innovation Procurement, this role focuses on building team capability, championing supplier-enabled innovation, strengthening innovation ways of working, and ensuring sourcing and commercialization excellence across the portfolio both mid and long term. This role serves as the leadership bridge between the Associate Director and the Innovation Managers and supports complex innovation projects where appropriate. The Group Lead is accountable for enabling team execution, removing barriers, coaching through complex issues, and building the operating rhythm that helps innovation procurement deliver with speed, rigor, and consistency. The role is focused on team leadership, portfolio visibility, governance, capability building, and continuous improvement.Job Description
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop a team of Innovation Managers responsible for sourcing and commercialization support across the business unit innovation portfolio mid and long term

  • Translate business unit and brand innovation priorities into clear team focus, resource alignment, and execution direction

  • Champion supplier-enabled innovation across the business unit and brands by helping the team identify, elevate, and connect supplier capabilities to the 3year innovation needs

  • Build the operating rhythm for innovation procurement across the portfolio, including prioritization, governance, issue escalation, and progress visibility

  • Coach Innovation Managers through complex sourcing, commercialization, and supplier challenges to strengthen decision making, problem solving, and execution quality

  • Remove barriers that slow innovation delivery by driving alignment across procurement, R&D, operations, finance, quality, legal, and business teams

  • Instill sourcing excellence across the team through strong standards in supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, commercialization readiness, and launch support

  • Drive consistency in how the team manages innovation sourcing activities, supplier engagement, transitions, and cross-functional coordination

  • Lead continuous improvement in innovation procurement ways of working to simplify processes, reduce rework, and improve speed, visibility, and execution effectiveness

  • Support portfolio-level prioritization and tradeoff discussions by surfacing risks, dependencies, capacity constraints, and execution challenges

  • Strengthen team capability in structured problem solving, risk sensing, scenario planning, and proactive stakeholder management

  • Partner with the Associate Director and core category procurement leaders to ensure alignment between innovation activity and broader business, supplier, and category strategies

  • Identify key areas for efficiencies post launch and set the base procurement teams up for success for the future

  • Ensure effective transition of launched innovation at external manufacturers from innovation procurement support into base business ownership after stabilization

  • Monitor portfolio health through key indicators related to sourcing progress, commercialization readiness, supplier readiness, timing, and execution risk

  • Foster a team culture of accountability, collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement

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

  • Significant procurement experience, ideally including innovation sourcing, external manufacturing, commercialization, ingredients, packaging, CAPEX, or related categories

  • Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and developing high-performing teams

  • Strong experience supporting innovation, commercialization, supplier capability development, and launch execution in a fast-moving environment

  • Strong systems thinking, with the ability to connect innovation strategy, supplier capability, commercialization requirements, and cross-functional dependencies across the portfolio

  • Strong sourcing and supplier management foundation, with credibility to coach others on negotiation, contracting, commercialization readiness, and supplier execution

  • Curiosity about AI and digital tools, with interest in how they can improve visibility, decision making, efficiency, and team effectiveness

  • Strong solution-oriented mindset, with the ability to remove barriers, simplify complexity, and help teams move from issue identification to practical action

  • Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across matrixed teams and functions

  • Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and execution capabilities across multiple concurrent initiatives

  • Ability to lead through ambiguity, support team decision making, and escalate issues with sound judgment

  • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to strengthen innovation routines, governance, and ways of working over time

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with source-to-pay tools such as SAP, Ariba, Workday, and related systems

Work Environment & Schedule
This position is considered a normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces. To 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:
$141,500.00 - $176,900.00
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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