Innovation Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: Innovation Managers are Level 4 Managers that work collaboratively with internal teams to develop innovative strategies to define objectives and measures aligned with overall company goals that add value to our organization and stakeholders. Innovation Managers develop, maintain & leverage strong, collaborative relationships across the enterprise to advance the vision, strategy and thinking methodologies used to innovate new service offerings, improving existing processes and creating a culture of innovation within the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement discrete innovation project strategies that are aligned with the company's values and goals.

• Lead cross-functional teams to research & develop new opportunities, brainstorm & test ideas, and ultimately implement innovative solutions to business challenges.

• Track and monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscape to inform innovation efforts.

• Foster a culture of creativity and experimentation within the organization by promoting idea generation and collaboration.

• Manage the assigned items from the innovation pipeline - from ideation to execution, ensuring timely delivery of innovative projects. Project management includes scope, budget and schedule development and management.

• Collaborate with external partners, including startups, research institutions, and industry experts, to leverage external expertise and resources.

• Drive the development of prototypes, proof-of-concepts, and pilot projects to validate new concepts and technologies.

• Analyze market data, customer feedback, and performance metrics to evaluate the success of innovation initiatives and make data-driven decisions.

• Communicate progress, achievements, and learnings to stakeholders, including senior management, to gain support and alignment for innovation efforts. This includes preparation of reports and slide decks to articulate project status.

• Continuously assess and improve innovation processes and methodologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

• Any other task/project as assigned by your direct supervisor or ELT.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field or at least 3 years professional experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Proven track record of successfully leading innovation initiatives in a corporate environment.

• Strong project management skills and abilities, with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience working with emerging technologies, such as AI, IoT, blockchain, etc., and understanding of their potential applications.

• Previous supervisory experience required

PROFESSIONAL SOFT SKILLS DESIRED

• Possesses strong leadership skills.

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Creative growth mindset with a passion for exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans.

• Optimistic, open-minded and passionate about driving change.