Innovation Specialist

The Innovation Specialist is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, developing and implementing new innovative technology solutions, processes and products that align with the organization's strategic goals. This person will be responsible for enhancing efficiency, improving quality, and driving competitive advantage in a manufacturing environment. The Innovation Specialist will monitor emerging trends, support pilot projects, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive digital transformation across the business. The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, curious about new ideas, and motivated to turn concepts into practical solutions that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and create long-term value.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate and analyze emerging technology trends and manufacturing methods to identify opportunities for innovation in IT and across the organization that drives improved productivity, cost reduction and/or enhanced product quality.
• Evaluate the potential of new tools, methodologies, and practices to improve operational efficiency and business outcomes.
• Lead innovation projects from concept to implementation.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, quality and finance teams to identify process inefficiencies and develop innovative solutions.
• Support digital transformation initiatives such as automation, robotics, IoT integration, and data-driven manufacturing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional department to generate and manage pipeline of innovation ideas.
• Scout vendors and recommend buy-vs-build paths.
• Develop and maintain documentation for innovation projects, prototypes, and intellectual property considerations.
• Build and maintain an IT innovation roadmap
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business challenges and propose technology-driven solutions.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions, workshops, and innovation labs to promote a culture of innovation.
• Collect and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of new technologies and solutions.
• Map current processes, baseline KPIs
• Support the planning, execution, and evaluation of pilot projects, proof-of-concepts, and innovation initiatives.
• Work closely with development, infrastructure, and security teams to ensure feasibility, compliance, and scalability of solutions.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and business cases to communicate findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Assist in change management and communication efforts to ensure adoption of new technologies.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to company compliance and IT security standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3-5 years of experience in an innovation, IT transformation, or technology-focused role (internship or co-op experience acceptable).

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of IT systems, digital tools, and project lifecycles.
• Exposure to data analysis, automation tools, or continuous improvement concepts is a plus.
• Familiarity with governance, privacy and security practices
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience with innovation methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, JTBD, TRIZ, Lean, Six-Sigma) is a plus.
• Manufacturing exposure; understanding of shop-floor adjacent processes and integrations (ERP/MES).

Job Requirement

• Willingness to travel occasionally to manufacturing sites to provide on-site support. (10% - 20%)