OverviewThe Product Innovation & Strategy Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and advancing innovative technologies, products, services, and business processes across Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions. This role serves as a key collaborator and connector among Sales, Marketing, Technical Services, Operations, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Executive Leadership to support growth initiatives, accelerate commercialization efforts, enhance competitiveness, and create long-term value.
The Product Innovation & Strategy Manager drives innovation projects from concept through implementation, helping ensure alignment with company objectives, customer needs, and market opportunities while influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
Interfaces- Reports To: Vice President, Field Engineering & Technical Services
- Direct Reports: None
Internal- Marketing, Sales, Technical Marketing, Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality, R&D, Communications, and Executive Leadership.
External- Agencies, contractors, consultants, suppliers, universities, industry associations, research organizations, and strategic partners.
Responsibilities- Support the development and execution of the company's innovation strategy and technology roadmap.
- Identify emerging market trends, technologies, materials, and business opportunities that align with strategic objectives.
- Coordinate cross-functional innovation initiatives from idea generation through commercialization.
- Support new product development efforts, pilot programs, field trials, and market validation activities.
- Facilitate innovation stage-gate processes and assist with portfolio management activities.
- Partner with R&D, Operations, Technical Services, and commercial teams to accelerate implementation and adoption of innovative solutions.
- Build and maintain relationships with universities, suppliers, industry organizations, and other strategic partners.
- Assist in evaluating licensing opportunities, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and other growth initiatives.
- Prepare business cases and financial analyses to support innovation investments and project prioritization.
- Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing throughout the organization.
- Represent Ergon at technical conferences, industry meetings, committees, and customer events.
- Track, analyze, and communicate innovation project performance, milestones, and outcomes to leadership.
- Serve as a subject matter resource on innovation processes, product lifecycle management, and market development activities.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, Construction Management, Pavement Management, or a related field.
- Five or more years of experience in product management, construction management, pavement management, business development, innovation, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated understanding of product development and commercialization processes.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate market opportunities and develop business cases.
- Ability to present, train, and communicate technical and business information effectively to diverse audiences.
- Experience working in cross-functional environments and influencing stakeholders without formal authority.
- Understanding of market development, customer adoption, and product lifecycle management principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; SAP, CRM, and project management software experience preferred.
- Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.
Additional Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Self-motivated, collaborative, and results-oriented.
- Ability to work independently while driving alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel as needed.
- Ability to work in office, plant, laboratory, and field environments, including exposure to varying weather and temperature conditions.
- Ability to wear required PPE.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Ability to work around asphalt and related materials.
- Ability to travel approximately 40-50%, including overnight travel.
Additional Requirements- Valid U.S. driver's license and the ability to maintain an insurable driving record.
