Manager, Innovation

Job Description

TITLE: Manager, Innovation

LOCATION: Kalamazoo. MI

REPORTS TO: Sr. Manager, Innovation

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Innovation is responsible for working with a team of innovation strategists, facilitators and segment leaders worldwide. Primary location will be in Newell Brands’ recently expanded, state of the art Design Center located in Kalamazoo, MI that has been carefully planned to foster creativity and maximize the sharing of ideas and technologies among the company’s brands and

process partners. As a part of the Innovation Group, the Manager, Innovation will help generate, update and deliver effective and relevant creative workshop material designed to stimulate the pre-funnel ideation and concept generation, for products, experiences and strategies across the Newell Brands portfolio. As well as co-facilitation of Newell Brand’s internal innovation curriculum, the Manager, Innovation will leverage design skills to support all visual materials and media.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ideation Facilitation: Facilitate and guide ideation of new products, experiences and strategies, as well as assist with drawer pull, sort and selection of concepts generated by previous ideation sessions.
• Innovation Development: Build relevant innovation habits, tools and methods within the Newell Brands community through education (examples include teaching in the Design Institute, internal training and speaking, and informal coaching).
• Opportunity Framing, Customer Co-Creation and Custom Workshops: Provide quick response, custom workshop and session engagements, using a wide variety of tools, methods and timeframes.
• Relationship Building and Cross-Pollination: Intentionally work cross-functionally, with all divisions and corporate enterprise functions to help building relationships with key leaders, representing Design and building product portfolios and innovation funnels.
• Prepare/create high-quality presentation materials through different media.
• Influence project teams through persuasion and communication in all innovation sessions.
• Have business acumen: Highly Developed understanding of key metrics, business drivers and functional roles.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Segment business teams on creative process and techniques. Managing and helping to develop the internally supported workshop teams.
• Work cross-functionally to plan, scope & secure resources for major programs.
• Foster a network of communication design professionals, consultants, and production houses.
• Has a proven track record of integrating broader consumer insights into innovative idea solutions.
• Is versed in research techniques and methodologies.
• Has advanced knowledge of competitive product, retail environments and market influences. Publishes and fosters communication of current trends and events with Sr. Leadership.
• Is responsible for prompt submission of expense reports and adherence to purchasing policies.
• Create captivating work environment. Participates in talent pool and succession planning.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in corporate design/innovation groups or consulting.
• Strong Leadership qualities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrate ability to work in team environments.
• Self-motivated and flexible. Willing to learn new things, stay agile and perform tasks big and small
• Proven ability to drive multiple programs simultaneously.
• Ability to work and lead teams independently toward project goals and timelines with minimal direction
• The ability to travel up to 30% of the time. Some travel may be international.
• A strong aesthetic sensitivity.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Suite.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in a large CPG company.
• Rapid prototyping, sketching and vector skills.
• A Bachelor's degree or higher education.

Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate, Sharpie, Dymo, EXPO, Parker, Elmers, Coleman, Marmot, Oster, Sunbeam, FoodSaver, Mr. Coffee, Graco, Baby Jogger, NUK, Calphalon, Rubbermaid, Contigo, First Alert, and Yankee Candle. For hundreds of millions of consumers, Newell Brands makes life better every day, where they live, learn, work and play. Newell Brands and its subsidiaries are Equal OpportunityEmployers and comply with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.