Head of Innovations - Americas

POSITION: Head of Innovation Hub Americas

REPORTS TO: CEO of the Americas/CTO

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB AND CONTRIBUTION TO ORGANIZATION:

The Head of Innovation Hub Americas drives growth through product innovation, leading the development and deployment of advanced conveyor systems, sortation technologies, controls automation, software integration, and emerging solutions that support the organization's strategic growth objectives.

As a key executive leadership team member, the Head of Innovation aligns technology investments with business goals, oversees engineering and product development, and maintains the company's market leadership in material handling automation, warehouse automation, and manufacturing solutions.

The Head of Innovation supports growth by translating customer needs into tailored, scalable solutions. Working closely with the CTO organization, the role adapts products to local markets and develops regional variants based on customer insights.

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

These job functions are not exhaustive. The employee must perform other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor. Responsibilities may change to meet company needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a technology roadmap aligned with the company's growth strategies.
• Drive innovation in conveyor systems, sortation equipment, automation controls, robotics integration, and industrial software.
• Identify emerging technologies and market trends that offer a competitive advantage.
• Guide executive decisions on technology investments, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, and Service teams to deliver solutions focused on customer needs.

Engineering and Product Development

• Lead mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and systems engineering teams.
• Manage the product lifecycle from concept to commercialization.
• Advance product standardization while supporting customized customer solutions.
• Define engineering standards, design best practices, and quality assurance processes.
• Ensure product compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.

Automation and Digital Transformation

Advance smart manufacturing initiatives and Industry 4.0 technologies.

Promote integrated systems development using:

• PLC controls
• SCADA systems
• Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
• Warehouse Execution Systems (WES)
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) integrations
• Robotics
• Machine vision technologies
• Industrial IoT platforms

Predictive maintenance solutions

Use data analytics and technology to improve business performance.

Operational Excellence

• Work with manufacturing leadership to streamline the transition from engineering to production.
• Support value engineering efforts and cost reductions.
• Enhance product reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability.
• Define KPIs and performance metrics for engineering and technology functions.
• Oversee technology budgets and capital investment plans.

Customer and Market Leadership

• Work with strategic customers to understand their business challenges and technology needs.
• Contribute to major customer presentations, proposal reviews, and project strategy discussions.
• Serve as the company's representative at industry conferences, trade shows, and customer events.
• Support business development efforts and strategic partnerships.

Talent Development

• Attract, develop, and retain high-performing engineering and technology professionals.
• Develop succession planning and leadership development programs.
• Cultivate innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship to engineering and technical leaders across the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess and display Interroll’s Values at all times: Global Collaboration, Accountability, Execute Excellence, People and Customer.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Technology Management, or Business Administration (MBA) preferred. Proven leadership with P&L ownership and strong budget planning/execution skills.
• 15+ years of progressive engineering and technology leadership experience.
• 10+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
• Prior executive leadership experience within material handling, automated manufacturing, warehouse automation, industrial automation, or related industries preferred.
• Experience leading nationwide technology, engineering, and product development functions.
• Proven success bringing innovative products and technologies to market..

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

Strong understanding of:

• Conveyor systems
• Sortation systems
• Material handling equipment
• Automation controls
• PLC programming and architecture
• Industrial networking
• Robotics and autonomous technologies
• Warehouse automation technologies
• Mechanical and electrical system design
• Product lifecycle management systems
• Manufacturing processes and lean principles
• Cybersecurity considerations for industrial systems
• Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT applications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.

The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal function of the job identified. They shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in this job.

This position operates in a combination of office, manufacturing, laboratory, customer, and warehouse environments. The role requires regular travel to manufacturing facilities, customer sites, engineering centers, and industry events throughout the United States