Innovation Manager
Apply NowCompany: NSF International
Location: Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Description:
Job Description
The Innovation Manager is a strategic and results-oriented leader responsible for driving the global innovation and development of new services. This role involves managing cross-functional teams, overseeing the entire product lifecycle, and ensuring that new products meet market needs and business objectives. The Innovation Manager will collaborate with various departments, including marketing, sales, design, and operations, to deliver successful product launches.
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Responsibilities
Qualifications
Skills:
About Us
With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.
One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.
Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.
NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
About the Team
We build awareness and value in the global NSF brand. Our teams include Standards, Growth Acceleration, Communications, and Government Affairs. We act as NSF's global ambassadors, championing our integrity, expertise, capabilities and resources., working with our internal partners to deliver real value to our clients and NSF.
The Innovation Manager is a strategic and results-oriented leader responsible for driving the global innovation and development of new services. This role involves managing cross-functional teams, overseeing the entire product lifecycle, and ensuring that new products meet market needs and business objectives. The Innovation Manager will collaborate with various departments, including marketing, sales, design, and operations, to deliver successful product launches.
#LI-BH1
Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Innovation:
- Develop and implement a robust new product development (NPD) strategy aligned with the company's overall business goals.
- Identify and evaluate new service opportunities based on market trends, customer needs, and competitive analysis.
- Foster a culture of innovation and encourage creative thinking.
- Conduct feasibility studies and market research to validate service concepts.
- Project Management:
- Lead and manage the entire NPD process, from concept generation to commercialization.
- Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure adherence to them.
- Coordinate and manage cross-functional teams, including labs, project managers,
- Monitor project progress, identify and mitigate risks, and resolve issues promptly.
- Utilize project management tools and methodologies to track and report on project status.
- Product Development & Design:
- Oversee the design, prototyping, and testing of new services
- Ensure that services meet industry recommendations and cost targets.
- Manage the product development lifecycle, encompassing design reviews, testing, validation, sales training, and implementation.
- Market Analysis & Customer Insights:
- Conduct thorough market research to understand customer needs, preferences, and pain points.
- Analyze competitive landscapes and identify opportunities for differentiation.
- Gather and analyze customer feedback to inform service development decisions.
- Work with marketing teams to develop service positioning and messaging.
- Commercialization & Launch:
- Develop and execute services launch plans, including marketing, sales, and distribution strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to create compelling service launch materials and campaigns.
- Monitor service performance post-launch and make necessary adjustments.
- Ensure a smooth transition from development to production and sales.
- Team Leadership & Collaboration:
- Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including senior management, team members, and external partners.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related
- Proven experience in new product development, 5+ years
- Strong project management skills, with experience using project management tools and methodologies.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of market research and competitive analysis.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Strong business acumen and understanding of financial principles.
- Global New Product or Service Expansion/Development a plus
- Experience with stage gate development processes.
- Experience with Food or Water products or services a plus.
- Ability to travel 30-40%, could include global travel
Skills:
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Market Analysis
- Product/Service Design & Development
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Leadership
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Budget Management
- Risk Management
About Us
With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.
One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.
Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.
NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
About the Team
We build awareness and value in the global NSF brand. Our teams include Standards, Growth Acceleration, Communications, and Government Affairs. We act as NSF's global ambassadors, championing our integrity, expertise, capabilities and resources., working with our internal partners to deliver real value to our clients and NSF.