Innovation Director

POSITION SUMMARYThe Innovation Director will be responsible for creating and implementing a robust innovation framework that enables RealTruck to consistently develop and deliver revolutionary Truck/Jeep accessory products. This role will require a leader with deep experience in building innovation capabilities, fostering a culture of creativity, and driving long-term, sustainable innovation. This position will work closely with all levels of the organization to ensure that innovation becomes a core strength and a key driver of the company's future success.CORE FUNCTIONSEstablish and develop the company's innovation capabilities, including processes, tools, and methodologies to support long-term innovation development.Create a robust consumer learning agenda to feed the innovation roadmap with "new to the world" products.Drive ability to quickly translate product concepts into marketable products with reduced timelines.Train and mentor cross-functional teams on innovative best practices, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation.Create innovation playbook.Work with category teams to ensure long term pipeline is robust, grounded by a category "North Star".Develop a long-term innovation strategy that positions the company as a leader in the industry.Identify and prioritize opportunities for breakthrough innovation, leveraging emerging technologies and market trends.Lead the ideation of revolutionary products that meet unmet customer needs and create new market opportunities.Collaborate with category, R&D, engineering, and design teams to translate insights into innovative concepts.Oversee the development of prototypes, testing, and refinement processes, ensuring a smooth transition from idea to viable concept.Drive organizational change to integrate innovation into the company's DNA, promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and bold thinking.Encourage cross-functional collaboration and open communication to accelerate the innovation process and reduce time to market.Establish innovation metrics and KPIs to measure success and drive accountability across the organization.Build and nurture an innovation ecosystem that supports the company's long-term goals and encourages external input and collaboration.Stay informed of industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive activities to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation.Build strong relationships with external suppliers and thought leaders.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.10+ years of experience in product marketing, product development, innovation, or R&D required, with a demonstrated ability to build and lead innovation capabilities.Experience creating and launching "new to the world" products required.Skills, Abilities, and KnowledgeExcellent leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals.Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and influence key stakeholders.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on long-term success.Strong understanding of innovation processes, including design thinking, agile methodologies, and long-term strategic planning.TravelOccasional travel may be required.COMPETENCIESAdapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIESLead: working team member who coordinates, supports, trains, and is a knowledge resource for other team members. No direct reports or supervisory responsibility.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSThis position is subject to Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involved sitting most of the time. Walking and standing are required only occasionally.Physical ActivitiesThis position is subject to the following physical activities: talking, hearing, and the use of hands, wrists, or fingers in repetitive motions.Visual AcuityThe worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.Working ConditionsThe worker is subject to a professional office environment.

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