HEAD OF INNOVATION
Job Description
OVERVIEW :
The Head of Innovation will spearhead the development of revolutionary glove products that set new industry benchmarks, with a primary focus on material innovation. Additionally, this leader will drive improvements in cost efficiency, product performance, and the introduction of new features. The ideal candidate is required to possess a proven track record of delivering innovative products that achieve significant commercial success, while also demonstrating strong leadership capabilities to manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
- Innovation Strategy:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation strategy, prioritizing material innovation while also exploring opportunities for cost reduction, enhanced product performance, and the introduction of new features.
- Stay ahead of emerging trends and market opportunities, identify technologies and materials that can be leveraged to enhance company’s competitive edge.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Manage, motivate, guide, coach, and mentor the innovation team to foster a strong, cohesive, and high-performing group.
- Build a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Develop team members' skills and career paths, ensuring they grow in their roles and contribute effectively to the company's innovation goals.
- Material Innovation:
- Lead the exploration and development of new materials that offer superior performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, differentiating our gloves from competitors.
- Drive research into alternative materials that could reduce reliance on traditional inputs, offering new avenues for product innovation.
- Cost, Performance, and Feature Enhancement:
- Identify and implement strategies to reduce production costs without compromising quality, ensuring our products remain competitive in price-sensitive markets.
- Lead efforts to enhance product performance and introduce new features that meet evolving customer needs.
- Commercial Success:
- Ensure that innovation projects are aligned with market demands and business goals, driving not only technological advancement but also commercial viability.
- Work closely with the sales and marketing teams to ensure that new products are successfully positioned and launched in the market, achieving targeted revenue and growth.
- Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, QA, marketing, and sales, to ensure alignment and successful product launches.
- Collaborate with external partners, such as universities, research institutions, and suppliers, to leverage external expertise and resources.
- Project Management:
- Manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the success and impact of innovation projects, including cost savings, performance improvements, feature adoption, and commercial success.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Drive continuous improvement in the innovation process, identifying areas for optimization and implementing best practices across the team.