Open Innovation Manager - North America University Partnerships

About Us

Innovation. Sustainability. Productivity. This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of farmers and builders everywhere. With a growing global population and increased demands on resources, our products are instrumental to feeding and sheltering the world. From developing products that run on alternative power to productivity-enhancing precision tech, we are delivering solutions that benefit people – and they are possible thanks to people like you. If the opportunity to build your skills as part of a collaborative, global team excites you, you’re in the right place. Grow a Career. Build a Future!

Job Purpose

The North America University Partnerships Open Innovation Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and expanding CNH’s strategic relationships with universities, research institutes, and academic innovation ecosystems across North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute CNH's North America University Partnership Strategy aligned with business and technology priorities.

• Identify, evaluate, and manage strategic university partnerships across the United States and Canada.

• Build long-term executive and working-level relationships with university leadership, faculty members, research centers, and innovation offices.

• Continuously assess the value, impact, and strategic fit of existing academic partnerships.

• Facilitate innovation co-development projects between CNH business units and academic partners.

• Connect CNH technical needs with relevant university expertise, laboratories, research programs, and emerging technologies.

• Support the identification and execution of Proofs of Concept (PoCs), pilot projects, student projects, and collaborative research initiatives.

• Monitor technology trends and research developments emerging from the academic ecosystem.

• Collaborate with HR and Talent Acquisition teams to strengthen CNH’s talent pipeline through university engagement.

• Coordinate internship programs, capstone projects, student competitions, fellowships, PhD collaborations, and talent-development initiatives.

• Position CNH as a preferred innovation and employment partner within target universities.

• Represent CNH at university events, research symposiums, innovation conferences, and industry-academia forums.

• Expand CNH’s visibility within North America's innovation ecosystem.

• Develop and maintain metrics to measure partnership effectiveness, business impact, talent outcomes, innovation results, and return on investment.

• Maintain a centralized database of university engagements, activities, budgets, and outcomes.

• Communicate successes, best practices, and partnership achievements to internal stakeholders and leadership.

Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree in: Engineering, Business Administration, Agronomy, Computer Science, Technology Management
• 5+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Open Innovation, University Relations, Research Partnerships, Product Development, Technology Strategy, Innovation Management, Corporate R&D, Ecosystem Development

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Skills:

  • Project Management
  • Advanced or fluent English proficiency
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Innovation and Technology Scouting
  • Research Partnership Management
  • Workshop Facilitation
  • Strategic Planning and KPI Management
  • Budget Management

• Interpersonal Skills:

  • Curiosity and continuous learning mindset
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Leadership and influence without direct authority
  • Creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Results-oriented mindset
  • Relationship-building and networking skills
  • Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional and multicultural environments

Pay Transparency

The annual salary for this role is $74,625 - $132,825 plus any applicable bonus (Actual salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as skill, experience and qualification for the role.). For roles open across multiple locations, the salary range indicated refers to the primary location. If a different location is considered, the applicable salary range will be communicated to candidates prior to the first interview.

What We Offer

• Dynamic career opportunities across an international landscape
• Comprehensive benefits, including: Flexible work arrangements, Savings & Retirement benefits, Tuition reimbursement, Parental leave, Adoption assistance, Fertility & Family building support, Employee Assistance Programs, Charitable contribution matching and Volunteer Time Off

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to delivering value for all our employees and fostering a culture of respect. CNH Industrial is an equal opportunity employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants can learn more about their rights by viewing the federal "Know Your Rights" poster here.