Sorry, this listing is no longer accepting applications. Don’t worry, we have more awesome opportunities and internships for you.

SVP, Product Innovation

W

Wolfe

SVP, Product Innovation

Pittsburgh, PA
Full Time
Paid
Similar Jobs
  • Responsibilities

    About Us:

    The Wolfe Companies, LLC, a leader in the Gift Card and FinTech sectors, is known for its prominent brands such as PerfectGift, Gift Card Granny, GiftYa, Reaf Marketing, and Give InKind. Our company excels in delivering exceptional value and customer experience in our industry. You'll find detailed information about our company culture, values, and the recognition we've earned in our industry at the top page of our career site.

    Role Summary:

    We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Vice President of Product Innovation to lead our newly formed Innovation Department.

    As the VP of Product Innovation, you will play a pivotal role in driving creativity, fostering a culture of forward-thinking, and spearheading transformative initiatives within the Wolfe Companies' current and future products. Your mission will be to propel our company's growth by identifying novel opportunities, validating innovative concepts, and translating them into practical solutions. If you thrive on pushing boundaries, envisioning the future, and turning ideas into reality, this role is tailor-made for you.

    If you're passionate about shaping the future of financial technology and driving innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Together, let's redefine the boundaries of what's possible!

    The ideal candidate will exhibit the Culture and Values important for success at The Wole Companies; Caring, Drive, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. She/He will have a strong background in product leadership and entrepreneurship.

    Responsibilities:

    Strategic Vision and Leadership:

    • Develop and articulate a clear product innovation strategy aligned with our business goals.
    • Lead cross-functional teams, inspiring them to embrace innovation and think beyond conventional boundaries.
    • Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate innovation seamlessly into our overall business strategy.

    Idea Generation and Validation:

    • Champion the ideation process, encouraging creativity across all levels of the organization.
    • Research and identify emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and market shifts relevant to our industry.
    • Evaluate and validate new ideas rigorously, considering feasibility, market potential, and alignment with our vision.

    Proof of Concept (POC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Development:

    • Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and designers to translate validated concepts into tangible POCs or MVPs.
    • Oversee the development, testing, and iteration of prototypes, ensuring they align with user needs and business objectives.
    • Drive agile experimentation, learning, and adaptation to refine and enhance innovative solutions.

    Cross-Functional Collaboration:

    • Work closely with engineering, design, marketing, and business development teams.
    • Foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to breakthrough ideas.
    • Facilitate workshops, hackathons, and brainstorming sessions to ignite innovation.

    Continuous Learning and Trend Monitoring:

    • Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements.
    • Attend conferences, participate in industry forums, and build a network of innovation thought leaders.
    • Encourage a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the organization.

    Metrics and Impact Measurement:

    • Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for innovation initiatives.
    • Regularly assess the impact of innovation efforts, adjusting strategies as needed.
    • Celebrate successes and learn from failures to drive continuous improvement.

    Leadership:

    • Lead the newly formed Innovation Team and ensure that projects are managed, measured, and delivered on time.
    • Embody Caring, Drive, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. And expect these values of others.
    • Hire, manage and develop team members.
    • Be accountable for deliverables.
    • Coach and upskill team members.
    • Follow Scrum processes.

    Drive Thought leadership:

    • Build and foster industry and academic relationships.
    • Create and file patents on novel innovations.
    • Drive industry standards that benefit the advancement of The Wolfe Companies' Products.

    Qualifications:

    • Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset.
    • Strong leadership skills.
    • Strong attention to detail and technicalities.
    • Excellent organizational and technical abilities.
    • Good interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.
    • Experience with Jira, Confluence, and project management tools.
    • A proven track record in innovation management, product development, or related roles.
    • Successful launch of one or more innovations resulting in >$100M in annual revenues.
    • Experience in fast paced startup environment.
    • Excellent communication skills with the ability to inspire all levels of an internal or external organization.
    • Exhibit a strong and impactful stage presence when presenting internally or representing the company externally.
    • Ability to envision the future, challenge the status quo, and inspire others.
    • Understanding of business dynamics, market trends, and financial implications is vital. Innovations should not only be groundbreaking but also commercially viable.
    • Demonstrable experience building external relationships with startups, research institutions, and industry experts can accelerate innovation.
    • Must possess a large professional and academic network.
    • Strong analytical skills to evaluate ideas, assess risks, and prioritize opportunities.
    • 20+ years' experience leading cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative culture.
    • Demonstrable success navigating ambiguity, iterating quickly, and adapting to changing circumstances.
    • 10+ years with AI, Fintech, digital payments, IoT, and emerging technologies.
    • 10+ years leading a product research or innovation lab.
    • Implementing innovation often disrupts existing processes. The ability to manage change, communicate effectively, and gain buy-in from stakeholders is critical.
    • 10+ years Project Management experience in a Scrum environment.
    • BS in Computer Science, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) required.
    • Advance Degree and/or a degree in Psychology is desirable.
    • Demonstrates the Wolf Companies Core values: Drive, Caring, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence.

    Compensation & Benefits:

    Wolfe is committed to providing its employees with a benefits package designed to give them the flexibility they need to ensure a healthy life/work balance. Wolfe offers its employees great benefits and perks, including, but not limited to:

    • Relocation package

    • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

    • Incentive Bonus

    • Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental insurance for employees and dependents

    • 20 days of PTO (vacation).

    • 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays

    • 401(k)

    • Tuition Reimbursement

    • Employee recognition program

    • Charitable Donation to a Charity of YOUR Choice yearly

    • Employee Referral Bonus: Refer Friends, and if we hire them, you get awarded

    • Family Picnic, Holiday Party, and other employee outings

    • Brown bag sessions to keep you informed on the company/industry

    • Internal Culture Club

    • Competitive Compensation (Top quartile pay)

    Wolfe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    Wolfe does not sponsor individuals for the purpose of obtaining H-1 Visas