This role is focused on our open innovation program and events as we help develop the company’s next generation of products and services.  The role will focus on enhancing the ecosystem and engagement of partners to accelerate the pace of innovation and commercialization of new solutions.

The role will engage with Innovation and Product Line Management teams to understand areas of opportunity for partner engagement.   The role will lead collaboration with innovation partners such as suppliers, incubators, research labs, universities, etc., for innovation and/or joint development projects.  

The position requires creative thinking to identify opportunities, and strong management skills to execute plans which enhance profitability through product or process innovation.  Requires ability to build relationships across a global company as well as with outside partners.  This person will have an interest in apparel & footwear labeling and embellishment as well as digital data management and consumer engagement.  Requires ability to understand and articulate technical details relevant to apparel & footwear graphics and embellishments, graphics manufacturing technologies, digital technologies, and apparel industry practices. 

Your Responsibilities:

• Develop tools and processes that enable idea management as well as open innovation
• Scout and assess partner opportunities through-
• Trade shows
• Universities/ research institutions
• Market trends
• Independent research
• Lead execution of open innovation events and partner engagement in support of teams/projects.
• Act as a trusted research innovation partner with Innovation and PLM teams
• Generate and validate ideas, demonstrate creativity in quantity and quality of solutions produced.
• Maintain awareness of advances in technology and competitive intellectual property.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal stakeholders, project teams, legal teams, external business partners, and suppliers.
• Establish and execute a plan to deliver results against innovation goals, and measure quarterly results against the plan.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in R&D and partnership development
• Self-starter, takes initiative, and has entrepreneurial spirit that is able to work independently and collaboratively
• Excellent organizational and people skills, with an ability to openly convey information to team members in a timely, concise manner
• Good project management skills
• Strong team player with proven ability to work effectively with colleagues across global offices and across multiple time zones
• 3+ years of working within the Apparel or Footwear Industry
• Strong influencing skills
• Digital understanding and vocabulary
• Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills
• Apparel industry relationships preferred
• Demonstrated curiosity and growth mindset
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time

Additional Information

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.