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Senior Director of Innovation

Job Details

Corporate Office - Winston-Salem, NC - Winston-Salem, NC

Description

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

 

SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Innovation is responsible for driving and managing innovation initiatives across the company. This role supports project management for new brands, licenses, and events, working closely with the Chief Innovation Officer and Manager of Product Implementation. The Senior Director leads a team of R&D professionals to research, develop, and commercialize new fibers, yarns, chemicals, and post-finishes, enhancing Renfro’s product portfolio.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Project Management:
    • Oversee projects from ideation to launch using tools like Smartsheet or Microsoft Project.
    • Provide weekly progress updates.
    • Ensure timely product launches by coordinating with internal teams and managing external vendors.
  • Innovation Collaboration:
    • Plan and execute events to engage internal and external partners.
    • Research competitors and potential business opportunities.
    • Facilitate collaboration between R&D and brand teams for new technology and material searches.
    • Manage communication with vendor partners.
  • Product Development:
    • Identify and manage new category vendors.
    • Assist with product design, style development, and seasonal planning.
    • Collaborate on pre-textile initiatives and ensure material availability meets quality and cost targets.
  • Brand Management Assistance:
    • Support SKU selection, marketing plans, and trend reporting.
    • Identify collaboration opportunities for consumer engagement.
    • Analyze marketing metrics and report on market trends.
  • Growth and Innovation:
    • Lead ideation sessions and manage creative initiatives.
    • Transition ideas into project proposals and maintain a portfolio of growth projects.
    • Present projects to the Leadership Team and manage them through a Stage-Gate process.
    • Communicate project progress and integrate successful projects into the business.
    • Build and lead a team to establish product development processes and best practices.
  • Other Duties:
    • Collaborate on sustainability initiatives.
    • Evaluate program effectiveness and manage additional tasks as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Manage a team of Innovation, Product Development, R&D and Technical professionals and support staff.

Qualifications

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • Excellent attention to detail, time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Positive attitude and ability to handle highly confidential information
  • Strong work ethic with a professional demeanor.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • High energy level.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in being a self-starter.
  • Ability to deal with internal/external customers with enthusiasm and professionalism.
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills are essential.
  • Must possess confidence, good judgment, energy, and the right personality to work in a challenging environment.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • BS in Textiles, Material Science, Polymer Science or Chemistry with 6+ years of experience.
  • MS in Textiles, Material Science, Polymer Science, or Chemistry with 4+ years of experience (preferred).
  • Previous research experience in a science or engineering field is required.
  • Previous work experience in technical textile development is a must.
  • 10+ years of progressive industry management experience.
  • Direct experience in supervision of marketing, communications, sales and/or product development.
  • Strong working knowledge and experience with Internet Explorer, various CRMs, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook and/or other data related software.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

 

  • Extensive experience leading materials development & R&D managing, including fabric and trim development.
  • Expertise in both knit and woven fabric constructions is required
  • Experience with seamless and yarn sourcing is a plus.
  • Excellent knowledge of vendors and mills.
  • Innovative with strong design sensibilities.
  • Color and Print development experience and understanding needed.
  • Knowledge of fabric construction standards, test standards, and manufacturing method.
  • Dynamic analytical, problem solving and project management abilities with proven systems knowledge and expertise.
  • Excellent customer service orientation with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and adapt to last-minute changes.
  • Ability to develop strategic objectives and drive tactical plans to achieve objectives.
  • Demonstrated willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Expertise with financial management and budgeting.
  • Demonstrated project management experience.
  • Strong negotiation abilities.
  • Strong marketing and business development expertise.
  • Strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit.

 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be required to work in the manufacturing or distribution centers throughout the company.

 

 

*The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer at any time with or without notice.

 

AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics. *

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