Innovation Manager

Company: WD-40 Company (UK)
Location: San Diego
Posted on: September 17, 2023

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Innovation Manager to lead the discovery, design, and commercialization of the Americas innovation strategy. The successful candidate will play a critical role in developing and executing new product business plans, driving revenue growth, and maximizing EBITDA. Additionally, the Innovation Manager will manage the planning, development, and execution of the Americas Tribology University training program and support the evolution of the Global Tribology platform. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for driving change and growth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. This role will have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule from home and the San Diego office. What You'll Be Doing

• Lead ideation and innovation initiatives,front-end innovation projects, and commercialization strategy from start to finish while optimizing and deploying innovation development best practices to meet Americas growth goals.
• Lead the design and execution of the Americas innovation strategy to deliver new product spaces, business models and capabilities.
• Develop, communicate, and successfully execute strategic vision, goals, drivers, and fiscal year plans for the Americas Trading Bloc Innovation initiatives in conjunction with the Strategic Innovation business manager.
• Develops business plans that create a strong business case (through Basis for Evaluation and Basis for Interest) to launch new product/category/platform; supported by:
• Relevant consumer insights from formal and informal research and diligence
• Strong financial viability (Breakeven analysis and P&L)
• A pplied best-practices in sustainability (Vendor, material, regulatory, claims, and messaging)
• Proactively develop, monitor, and control key initiatives, appropriate budgets, forecasts, measures of success, etc. to achieve required America's overall business goals.
• Review current portfolio for potential innovative sustainable improvements and best practices.
• Responsible and accountable as the main liaison to Latin America ensuring their Innovation needs are being met and / or addressed.
• Ensure innovation plan aligns with America's goals and requirements by being the active brand and innovation voice for Canada, Latin America, and USA business segments.
• Actively support global and America's efforts related to corporate, GTC, new product development/innovation, quality, IT, HR, IP, acquisitions, and divestures. Drive innovation efforts through necessary departments creating the pipeline to market success.
• Plan and define Project Scope with input from R&D team, define project scope and objectives, including identifying and determining project outcomes, critical success pathways, and appropriate parameters including projected budget and initial risk assessment.
• Lead, develop and execute the Tribology University program for the Americas and influence global development of this program. Support the sharing of Tribology and Innovation globally through inventive and engaging mediums. What You'll Bring To The Role
  • Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering, or related field. MBA is a plus
  • 5+ years of experience in innovation, product management, or hybrid innovation/marketing.
  • Strong knowledge of sustainable product development processes, including ideation, market research, prototyping, testing, and launch.
  • Excellent communication, project management, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
  • Knowledge of mechanical and/or chemical product development with a passion for sustainable innovation and creating new sustainable products that solve consumer needs while minimizing our environmental impact.
  • Experience in the sustainable consumer products industry is a plus.
  • Successful development and management of innovation plans, marketing plans and new product launches within defined timelines and budgets
  • Strong knowledge of product development processes, including ideation, market research, prototyping, testing, and launch.
  • Experience with lean innovation, preferably within a corporate environment.
  • Excellent communication, project management, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functioanl team environment.
  • Experience in the sustainable consumer products industry is a plus.
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus Total Rewards $96000 - $117000 / year includes base salary plus 10% - 15% profit-sharing contribution to your retirement account. Salary is determined by multiple factors including but not limited to relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and alignment with market data
    • Medical insurance, 80-95% company-paid premium
    • Dental and vision insurance
    • 401K match
    • Short-day Fridays
    • Vacation At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes. Our "why" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do. Why You Should Apply
      • Learning-based culture that supports the growth and development of all tribe members
      • Strong values aligned culture whose #1 strategic driver is to build a business for the future that we will be proud to hand down to the next generation
      • Over 93.3% employee engagement as of January 2022 global employee survey
      • A culture where 93% of the tribe report experience a sense of belonging
      • Voted Most Democratic Workplace and certified WorldBlu Freedom Centered Workplace Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we do: We live, breathe, and play by our values every day. Thank you for considering WD-40 Company in your career search!#WD40TribalLife #PositiveLastingMemories At WD-40 Company we foster a culture of inclusion where all individuals are recognized, valued, respected, and experience a sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual characteristics that make us unique such as our backgrounds, experiences, qualities, talents, traits, beliefs, and preferences.

Keywords: WD-40 Company (UK), San Diego , Innovation Manager, Executive , San Diego, California