Head of Innovation Strategy

Why we are here

Tony’s Chocolonely is committed to ending exploitation in cocoa. We are an impact company that makes chocolate, not a chocolate company that makes impact. With incredibly tasty chocolate, we lead by example, demonstrating that ethical practices and success can go hand in hand. Through Tony's Open Chain (TOC), mission allies like Albert Heijn, Ben & Jerry's, Jokolade, and Aldi have embraced a fairer, more transparent supply chain for their chocolate too.

What you will do

We are seeking a new Head of Innovation Strategy to lead the global strategy and roadmap of our chocolate product portfolio across all markets and channels. With your leadership, Tony’s Chocolonely will deliver tasty chocolate that consumers love, in great packs, on budget, and at the right time. You will lead the team to use consumer insights, category data, and trend analysis to identify long-term growth platforms. Using these to envision the future product portfolio, engaging with the local market teams to get their input, and then working with the project management and development teams to create the roadmap of projects to deliver this vision. For each of these projects (both ongoing and new), you and your team will act as the internal product ambassador and ensure outstanding product launches across all markets by collaborating closely with a lot of stakeholders across the organization. You will lead and coach a team of 4 product innovation and renovation professionals and report to the Chief Product Officer.

All wrapped up, in this role you will

• Identify consumer-led platforms for growth, by leveraging consumer insights, category data, and trend analysis across markets.

• Lead the vision for a product portfolio of the future: Together with the team, review the current portfolio and create a vision for the future across markets, channels, and segments.

• Ensure continuous product ideation and renovation: Ensure there’s a robust funnel of new product ideas that surprise and charm consumers, balancing science and art. You know what good looks like, set the approach, and bring people along.

• Work closely with the broader product team to ensure the product roadmap is brought to life, accepting where and if compromises, trade-offs, or changes need to be made, but keeping the golden thread of the ideas alive.

• Lead the team by coaching and empowering, fostering an environment of consumer-first thinking.

• Inspire and work closely with the brand team on packaging design and launch campaigns.

• Foster strong relationships with markets and ensure their unique market conditions, consumer preferences, and trends are heard and considered.