Director of AI, Digital Transformation & Open Innovation

Join this dynamic team focused on delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey

The Opportunity

Reporting to the VP of Innovation & DTC, the Director of AI, Digital Transformation & Open Innovationwill serve as the enterprise leader responsible for driving AI‑enabled transformation across the organization. This role will define, accelerate, and scale the company’s digital and AI strategy—modernizing ways of working, enhancing decision‑making, and unlocking new efficiencies to reinvest in innovation and growth.

This leader will champion the adoption of AI tools, digital platforms, and emerging technologies that enable smarter, faster, and more connected operations. They will influence senior stakeholders, build digital fluency across teams, and establish the frameworks that embed AI‑driven capabilities into the organization’s core processes.

In parallel, this role will oversee the development of an Open Innovation program that expands the company’s access to breakthrough technologies, partners, and external innovation ecosystems—fueling long‑term growth and competitive advantage.

This person will partner closely with Innovation & DTC, BU leaders, Finance, Insights & Analytics, Marketing COE, Brand, Sales, R&D, and the global Glanbia Enterprise Solutions (GES) team.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Lead Digital & AI Transformation

• Serve as the enterprise lead for Digital & AI Transformation, setting the strategic direction and execution roadmap. Will be the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for AI for GPN Americas.
• Define and implement the company’s AI strategy—including capability building, governance, training programs, and adoption frameworks.
• Identify, evaluate, and scale AI and digital tools that enhance productivity, efficiency, consumer understanding, and decision‑making.
• Partner closely with the GES team to ensure alignment and prioritization of key digital and AI initiatives over the next 12–18 months.
• Establish mechanisms to measure the business impact of digital and AI investments and communicate progress to senior leadership.
• Foster a culture of digital fluency, experimentation, and continuous learning across all functions.

2. Open Innovation & External Partnerships

• Build and launch a modern Open Innovation program connecting the company with startups, universities, incubators, and strategic technology partners.
• Create and manage an external innovation network to source cutting‑edge technologies, ingredients, and business models.
• Lead licensing and partnership execution that unlocks new product, technology, or process opportunities.
• Translate external innovation opportunities into viable commercial pathways by partnering with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and others.
• Establish governance, success metrics, and communication channels to track Open Innovation outcomes.

Requirements (Refreshed to Align With AI/Digital Focus)

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, Digital Innovation, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience leading digital transformation, AI adoption, tech innovation, or consulting within a global consumer‑facing environment.
• Proven ability to build and scale AI‑enabled digital platforms, capabilities, and ecosystems.
• Strong experience driving change in matrixed organizations and influencing senior leadership.
• Deep understanding of digital trends, AI applications, emerging technologies, and consumer behavior.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into strategic insights.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams and delivering large‑scale transformation initiatives.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and strategic influence capabilities.
• Track record of managing complex, multi‑stakeholder projects with timely and high‑quality execution.

If you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply!

Where and how you will work

The opportunity will be based in Downers Grove, IL with hybrid working arrangements available which allows you a greater choice in how you work and live, giving you a better work-life balance.

What we would like to offer you!

The opportunity to develop your career on a global stage, continuous learning through an on-demand learning platform, and a competitive compensation package including staff discounts, generous family leave policy, health & dental plan, competitive salary, 401K.

About Glanbia

Glanbia is a better nutrition company with three divisions: Performance Nutrition, Health & Nutrition and Dairy Nutrition. Collectively and with our partners we offer an incredible breadth of expertise in nutrition. We employ a team of 5800 people, work with global food and beverage companies, and sell our award-winning and market-leading brands and ingredients in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. Factors that could be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, years of experience and comparison to current employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range. The annual salary for Illinois based employees for this role is $180,000 - $250,000 with an annual bonus.

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a variety of candidates, we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

At Glanbia, our culture celebrates individuality, knowing that together we are more.