Vice President, Innovation & Productivity

At Justrite Safety Group, we're more than just a collection of industrial safety companies; we're a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet. Our ever-growing portfolio of companies collaborates to deliver advanced industrial safety solutions that set the standard for excellence.

About the role

The Vice President, Innovation & Productivity will lead the strategic direction and execution of Justrite’s innovation, new product development (NPD), and engineering initiatives across the enterprise. This executive will be responsible for increasing product vitality, accelerating differentiated innovation, leading robust value engineering efforts, and enhancing the commercialization of customer-centric solutions. You’ll oversee a growing team of engineers and technical professionals and collaborate across departments to develop scalable, compliant, and cost-effective safety solutions. The ideal candidate will blend technical excellence with strong leadership and a deep understanding of manufacturing and market needs. In this role, you will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Leadership
  • Develop and execute an enterprise-wide innovation and NPD strategy aligned with corporate growth goals.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing advanced engineering team, including experts in metals and plastics.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to identify market opportunities and prioritize innovation investments.
• New Product Development (NPD)
  • Lead cross-business unit engineering efforts to develop platform-based, differentiated products that address real-world customer challenges.
  • Manage the full NPD lifecycle using a structured stage gate or agile process from ideation through launch.
  • Drive rapid prototyping, iterative design, and manufacturability to shorten time-to-market.
• Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE)
  • Implement a robust VA/VE program to reduce product costs, increase margins, and simplify designs—without compromising safety or quality.
  • Drive robust ideation and product management processes to include “product tear downs and rebuilds” for higher quality and value.
  • Facilitate cross-functional VA/VE workshops and reinvest savings into innovation initiatives.
• Commercialization & Customer Insight
  • Champion voice-of-customer (VOC) programs and structured market research to uncover unmet needs and guide product development.
  • Partner with Product Management, Sales, and Marketing to ensure clear value propositions and successful product launches.
  • Lead post-launch reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Innovation Culture & External Partnerships
  • Cultivate an innovation-first culture across the organization.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with universities, labs, and third-party vendors to accelerate innovation and access cutting-edge technologies.
  • Lead the intellectual property strategy, including patents and trade secret protection.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, product development, or innovation within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading NPD and VA/VE initiatives and launching commercially successful products.
• Expertise in materials science (especially metals/plastics), compliance-driven industries, and structured innovation processes.
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams and influence stakeholders in a matrixed organization.
• Strong business acumen with a customer-centric approach to technical problem solving.
• Experience in safety-related or regulated industries a strong plus.

Skills

• Master’s or MBA (preferred).

Pay

The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $220,000 to $250,000. Actual base salaries will vary and may be above or below the recommended pay range based on factors such as location, relevant experience, and performance. Additionally, this role is eligible for an annual incentive plan to enhance overall total compensation package when Justrite Safety Group and their business units achieve annual business and financial targets.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible hours and alternative work arrangements.
• 401K plan with company match.
• Company-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off, personal days, and a robust employee wellness program.

Why Join Us

As a leading name in the safety industry, Justrite provides a platform where you can collaborate with some of the best professionals in the field, learning from experts and contributing to cutting-edge solutions. The company's commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that you’ll be part of a team that is making a real impact. With a strong focus on career advancement, Justrite empowers its employees to thrive both personally and professionally, making it an ideal workplace for those looking to grow their careers in a meaningful and rewarding environment. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to product excellence and making a positive impact in our company and community.