Director of Innovation

Director of Innovation

The Director of Innovation leads the development and implementation of technology, automation, and AI solutions that improve retail execution, operational efficiency, visibility, and decision-making. This role partners with operations and client teams to identify opportunities, transform business processes, and implement scalable solutions that deliver measurable business value.

The Director of Innovation drives continuous innovation across the program by evaluating emerging technologies, leading technology-enabled initiatives, and ensuring solutions are effectively adopted, optimized, and aligned with client and business objectives.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development and implementation of technology, automation, AI, and digital solutions that improve retail execution, efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.

• Partner with operations and client teams to identify business challenges, assess opportunities, define requirements, and develop scalable technology-enabled solutions.

• Lead technology and innovation initiatives from concept through implementation, including solution evaluation, testing, deployment, adoption, and ongoing optimization.

• Identify opportunities to automate manual or inefficient processes and leverage data, analytics, and AI to improve productivity, accuracy, execution quality, and business insights.

• Develop and maintain a technology and innovation roadmap aligned with client priorities, operational objectives, and measurable business outcomes.

• Drive adoption and change management by partnering with field and operational teams to ensure solutions are practical, user-friendly, and effectively integrated into daily workflows.

• Measure and communicate the impact of technology initiatives, including efficiency gains, productivity improvements, cost savings, adoption, and other relevant business outcomes 

• Stay current on emerging technologies and foster a culture of continuous innovation by identifying, testing, and scaling solutions that create value for the program and client.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive experience in technology, innovation, digital transformation, operations, automation, analytics, AI, or a related field.

• Bachelor's degree in business, information technology, computer science, data analytics, operations, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Demonstrated experience leading technology-enabled business transformation or innovation initiatives from concept through implementation.

• Experience applying AI, automation, analytics, or other emerging technologies to real-world business and operational challenges.

• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, technology, client-facing teams, and executive leadership. 

• Experience developing business cases, implementation plans, roadmaps, and measurable success criteria for technology initiatives.

• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, stakeholders, and technology initiatives in a fast-paced business environment.

• Experience with retail, field operations, consumer products, merchandising, sales, or a related industry is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of AI, automation, data analytics, emerging technologies, and their practical business applications.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify opportunities, solve complex operational challenges, and connect technology solutions to measurable business outcomes.

• Proven ability to lead technology and innovation initiatives, including project planning, implementation, change management, and ongoing optimization.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technology concepts into practical business solutions.

• Strong collaboration and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence and partner effectively across operations, clients, leadership, and technology providers.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment regarding data privacy, information security, responsible AI, and business risk.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer. 

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. 

Work Environment 

• Primarily remote with travel to retailer headquarters and store locations. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

TruX Retail Partner is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Disclaimer 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at any time in accordance with business needs. Nothing in this job description should be interpreted as creating an employment contract. Employment is at-will, where permitted by law.