Director, Product Innovation (16 Month Contract)

Location Flexibility: We are open to candidates based in either the Greater Toronto Area or Greater Vancouver Area. This opportunity has been posted in two locations, however we are hiring for one position, and are flexible on where the successful candidate is based Overview: At Saje Natural Wellness, we're nature's original farmacy, blending the superpower of plants so you can remedy real life, naturally. And like nature, we're continually growing! As we continue to build our team, we're seeking talented people to join us: in our stores, support offices, and distribution centres. We are a purpose-driven, people-first organization where collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets thrive. We look for individuals who have drive and warmth, agility and passion, and keep customer experience at the centre of everything they do. At Saje, you’ll connect with a dynamic community and make a positive impact. Join our team and grow your career, alongside the most talented, hard working, and kind-hearted people out there. The impact you'll make: The Director of Innovation is a highly cross-functional leadership role accountable for leading the team of Product Category Managers, advancing the product portfolio, and ensuring Saje products are brought to market with clear, compelling and defensible claims and storytelling. Reporting to the VP, Product, this role leads two Product Category Managers and provides the strategic direction, coaching, prioritization and decision-making required to maintain momentum across category roadmaps, active innovation programs and product launches. This leader owns the innovation pipeline - from white-space exploration and concept creation through to the successful execution of the product marketing and creative vision – all while ensuring cross-functional alignment across Marketing, Creative, R&D, Regulatory, Operations and Finance. The role balances creative ambition with commercial discipline, ensuring innovation concepts translate into impactful, profitable and brand-building products. All Saje Team Members are responsible for contributing to Saje’s culture and maintaining a positive environment for themselves and their peers. What you'll do: Product Category Management & Portfolio Leadership Lead Product Category Managers in the maintenance and execution of 3-year Product Category Roadmaps. Oversee the creation, presentation and approval of Product Concept Briefs. Oversee the maintenance of accurate SOP$ forecasts for all innovation initiatives. Provide ongoing coaching and development for Product Category Managers in close collaboration with the VP, Product. Product Claims, Substantiation & Storytelling Execution Lead the execution of the established claims, product substantiation and storytelling roadmap across priority innovation and core portfolio initiatives. Coordinate with Product Category Managers, R&D, Regulatory, Marketing and Creative to move claims and storytelling deliverables through development, approval and implementation. Maintain claims and storytelling tools, documentation, approval pathways, and decision records to support effective cross-functional execution. Monitor progress against the roadmap, surface risks or required decisions, and provide clear updates and recommendations to the VP, Product. Ensure approved claims and product stories are implemented clearly and consistently across consumer touchpoints. Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Ownership Own and evolve an innovation pipeline that supports long-term product strategy, financial objectives, and brand differentiation (across a 2-3 year horizon) Partner closely with R&D and Regulatory to co-innovate, refine and pivot concepts throughout development Lead Product Category Managers to ensure innovation options are clearly quantified and qualified through robust business cases and Product Concept Briefs Continuously refine and accelerate the pace and quality of innovation Commercialization & Go-to-Mark…

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