[Remote] Vice President, Innovation & Productivity

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Justrite Safety Group is a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet through advanced industrial safety solutions. The Vice President, Innovation & Productivity will lead the strategic direction and execution of innovation and product development initiatives, overseeing a team to develop scalable safety solutions while collaborating across departments.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute an enterprise-wide innovation and NPD strategy aligned with corporate growth goalsBuild and mentor a high-performing advanced engineering team, including experts in metals and plasticsCollaborate with executive leadership to identify market opportunities and prioritize innovation investmentsLead cross-business unit engineering efforts to develop platform-based, differentiated products that address real-world customer challengesManage the full NPD lifecycle using a structured stage gate or agile process from ideation through launchDrive rapid prototyping, iterative design, and manufacturability to shorten time-to-marketImplement a robust VA/VE program to reduce product costs, increase margins, and simplify designs—without compromising safety or qualityDrive robust ideation and product management processes to include 'product tear downs and rebuilds' for higher quality and valueFacilitate cross-functional VA/VE workshops and reinvest savings into innovation initiativesChampion voice-of-customer (VOC) programs and structured market research to uncover unmet needs and guide product developmentPartner with Product Management, Sales, and Marketing to ensure clear value propositions and successful product launchesLead post-launch reviews to drive continuous improvementCultivate an innovation-first culture across the organizationEstablish strategic partnerships with universities, labs, and third-party vendors to accelerate innovation and access cutting-edge technologiesLead the intellectual property strategy, including patents and trade secret protectionSkillsBachelor's degree in Engineering10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, product development, or innovation within a manufacturing environmentDemonstrated success in leading NPD and VA/VE initiatives and launching commercially successful productsExpertise in materials science (especially metals/plastics), compliance-driven industries, and structured innovation processesProven ability to build high-performing teams and influence stakeholders in a matrixed organizationStrong business acumen with a customer-centric approach to technical problem solvingExperience in safety-related or regulated industries a strong plusMaster's or MBA preferredBenefitsComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible hours and alternative work arrangements401K plan, complete with a company matchCompany-paid short and long-term disability insuranceGenerous paid time offPersonal daysRobust employee wellness programCompany OverviewJustrite Safety Group (JSG) manufactures and provides industrial safety solutions. It was founded in 1906, and is headquartered in Mattoon, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.justrite.com.