Innovation Specialist - Global Innovation Center

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Innovation Specialist – Global Innovation Center based in the United States.** The Innovation Specialist will contribute to forward-thinking initiatives that explore new technologies, business models, and emerging opportunities in eye care and eyewear. This role combines research, experimentation, concept development, and cross-functional collaboration to help reimagine how vision care is delivered worldwide. You will work alongside experienced innovation leaders, internal teams, and external ecosystem partners to evaluate ideas and transform promising concepts into practical solutions. Through technology assessments, user research, prototyping, and proof-of-concept activities, you will help identify opportunities with meaningful business and consumer impact. The position offers exposure to emerging markets, evolving consumer trends, and innovative healthcare approaches in a collaborative, learning-focused environment. It is an excellent opportunity for a curious, adaptable professional who enjoys creative problem-solving and turning new ideas into actionable opportunities. ### Accountabilities: - Support the design and execution of innovation projects that explore, test, and scale concepts within assigned subject areas. - Contribute to technology evaluations, business model innovation, prototyping, and proof-of-concept initiatives to assess feasibility and potential value. - Monitor developments within assigned domains, evaluating emerging technologies, market maturity, consumer trends, and potential business implications. - Build knowledge of adjacent industries, markets, business models, and technologies to identify opportunities for cross-domain innovation. - Apply concept testing, user research, experimentation, and validation methodologies under the guidance of senior team members. - Evaluate new products, services, and business models using established assessment frameworks, scorecards, and decision criteria. - Help define problem statements and opportunity areas, formulate hypotheses, and contribute to testing assumptions and validating potential solutions. - Develop and present new project ideas, innovation concepts, and business opportunities to relevant stakeholders. - Prepare research briefs, presentations, and project findings that communicate complex topics clearly to audiences across the organization. - Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and subject matter experts to strengthen knowledge sharing and explore emerging markets. - Contribute to the development and execution of innovation programs while adapting to evolving priorities, project requirements, and new information. - Incorporate feedback from colleagues and senior stakeholders to refine concepts, improve project outcomes, and support continuous learning. ## Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent practical experience. - At least 4 years of relevant experience in innovation, emerging technology, research and development, product design, or a related field. - Expertise in at least one relevant subject area, with the ability to develop an understanding of related technologies, healthcare trends, and business models. - Experience contributing to projects, coordinating work across stakeholders, and adapting to changing priorities and requirements. - Strong creative thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explore unfamiliar topics and assess emerging opportunities. - Ability to conduct research, evaluate concepts, support experimentation, and contribute to the validation of new ideas. - Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing research briefs, presentations, and PowerPoint materials. - Ability to explain technical concepts and emerging technologies to non-technical audiences, connecting their relevance to business objectives and practical applications. - Confidence in developing, presenting, and discussing project pitches and innovation opportunities. - Strong collaboration skills and the ability to provide and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback. - Interest in learning new technologies, markets, consumer behaviors, and innovation methodologies. - Experience in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, or technology industries is preferred but not required. - Previous experience in creative, innovation-oriented consulting environments or large corporate organizations is an advantage. - For remote work, the ability to remain engaged and communicate effectively in virtual meetings, including maintaining camera presence when needed to support collaboration and team alignment. ## Benefits: - **Annual salary range:** $63,000–$108,675, depending on location, experience, and other job-related factors. - Potential eligibility for additional bonuses or commissions, subject to the applicable compensation package. - Remote work arrangement within the United States. - Access to benefits designed to support employee well-being and professional development. - Opportunity to collaborate with innovation specialists, subject matter experts, and external partners. - Exposure to emerging technologies, new business models, and innovation initiatives in eye care and eyewear. - Opportunity to contribute to projects focused on improving access to vision care and enhancing consumer experiences. - An inclusive and collaborative working environment that values diverse perspectives and continuous learning. - Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants with disabilities during the hiring process.