Aurora Organic Dairy is the leading producer of store-brand organic milk and butter for U.S. retailers. Based in Boulder, Colo., it operates a heifer farm and organic dairy farms in Colorado and Texas, as well as organic dairy processing plants in Platteville, Colorado and Columbia, Missouri. Organic agriculture, animal care and sustainable production are the cornerstones of AOD’s business. Its processing facilities and each of its farms are certified organic by USDA National Organic Program accredited certifiers and certified by Validus, a leading independent animal welfare auditor.

AOD is involved in overseeing organic standards from cow to carton. It monitors the entire product lifecycle, to ensure quality from its farms to its processing facility. For more information, visit www.auroraorganic.com.

Purpose:

The Director of Innovation is responsible for leading AOD innovation initiatives, including strategic co-manufacturing partnerships. The role will be directed at innovating in various supply chain functions including dairy co-packing, product development, business processes and manufacturing expansion. These duties will require the creation and leadership of cross-functional teams and productive relationships with department leaders throughout the company. The individual will have responsibility for production efficiency, unit costs, capital returns and product profitability.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead Innovation Platforms – Identify and leverage category trends and opportunities across current scope, as well as accessible categories for future growth.
• Product Development – Lead development of new products and the associated capabilities required for market launch. Oversee projects with internal and external R&D teams to define objectives, build alignment, acquire resources, manage iterations and complete projects on time.
• Co-packing & Logistics – Develop effective new manufacturing resources in support of balancing and business development activities. Evaluate effectiveness of selected existing co-pack and logistics activities and champion improvements, with focus on category/product innovation.
• Project Management – Establish and lead business planning, in partnership w/ COO, for capability programs including rationale, capital requirements & returns, resource allocation and progress tracking and demonstration of results.

Knowledge & Experience:

• 7-10 years’ operating experience in fluid dairy manufacturing industry with knowledge of dairy product processes and market participants. Understanding of related logistics, inventory management, procurement and customer service in a perishable environment a plus.
• 5 years’ experience with accountability for project leadership and team creation / performance management.
• BA/BS degree in related field or equivalent in education and experience
• Experience managing new businesses through a P&L to forecast and analyze operational activity results.
• Strong project management skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable mode of transportation and proof of automobile insurance with required levels of coverage.