Vice President, Innovation & Productivity

Accountabilities

• Lead enterprise innovation, engineering, and new product development initiatives while driving productivity improvements and commercial success.
• Oversee technical teams, establish innovation strategies, and collaborate across functions to deliver customer-focused, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.
• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide innovation and new product development strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing engineering organization, including advanced engineering teams specializing in relevant manufacturing technologies.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify market opportunities and prioritize innovation investments.
• Lead cross-functional product development initiatives from concept and ideation through commercialization and launch.
• Establish structured development processes using stage-gate, agile, or similar methodologies to accelerate time-to-market.
• Drive rapid prototyping, iterative design, and manufacturability improvements to enhance product development efficiency.
• Create and implement value analysis and value engineering programs to reduce costs, improve margins, and optimize product designs.
• Facilitate cross-functional workshops focused on product improvement, cost reduction, and innovation opportunities.
• Champion voice-of-customer initiatives and market research efforts to identify unmet needs and guide product strategies.
• Partner with product management, sales, and marketing teams to ensure successful product positioning and launches.
• Lead post-launch reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to maximize product performance.
• Establish external innovation partnerships with universities, research organizations, and technology providers.
• Oversee intellectual property strategies, including patent development and protection of proprietary innovations.

Requirements

• The ideal candidate is an accomplished innovation and engineering executive with extensive experience leading product development, manufacturing initiatives, and technical teams.
• They should combine strong business acumen with deep technical expertise and the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, innovation, product development, or related manufacturing environments.
• Proven success leading new product development initiatives and bringing commercially successful products to market.
• Experience implementing value analysis/value engineering programs and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of materials science, including metals and plastics, and experience with compliance-driven industries.
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing technical teams.
• Strong understanding of structured innovation processes, product lifecycle management, and commercialization strategies.
• A customer-focused approach with the ability to translate market needs into technical solutions.
• Strong executive communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in safety-related, industrial, or regulated industries is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level base salary ranging from $220,000 to $250,000.
• An annual incentive plan opportunities based on business and financial performance.
• Remote work flexibility with alternative work arrangements available.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off and personal days.
• Employee wellness programs supporting health and well-being.
• Opportunity to lead transformational innovation initiatives with significant business impact.
• Career growth opportunities within a global, technology-driven organization.