Director of Innovation, Product Development & Research

Role Purpose

The Director of Innovation, Product Development & Research is responsible for setting and leading the organization’s innovation and product development agenda, driving data-driven decision-making, and translating strategic objectives into scalable products, research outcomes, and enterprise-wide initiatives. The role oversees innovation, data products, analytics, R&D, and emerging technologies to deliver measurable business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the innovation and product development strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of data products, from ideation through delivery, adoption, and optimization.
• Establish governance and best practices for Data & Analytics, ensuring insights support executive decision-making.
• Lead Research & Development (R&D) initiatives and ensure outcomes are commercially or operationally viable.
• Drive strategy execution, translating high-level objectives into prioritized programs, initiatives, and roadmaps.
• Apply Agile frameworks at scale to manage portfolios, programs, and cross-functional teams.
• Provide executive-level business analysis, converting complex requirements into strategic solutions.
• Evaluate and integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities and emerging technologies where they create value.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior managers and multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a key partner to senior leadership and stakeholders, influencing direction and ensuring alignment across functions.
• Monitor performance, risks, and delivery milestones, ensuring outcomes meet quality, timeline, and budget expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, product development, data, or related fields, including significant leadership at director or senior management level.
• Proven expertise in:
• Data & Analytics
• Data Products strategy and delivery
• Innovation leadership
• Business analysis and enterprise project/program management
• Agile methodologies (enterprise / scaled Agile)
• Research & Development (R&D)
• Strategy formulation and execution
• Strong working knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, use cases, and implementation considerations.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, cross-functional teams and managing senior stakeholders.

Leadership & Executive Competencies

• Strategic and visionary leadership.
• Strong decision-making grounded in data and business insight.
• Executive communication and stakeholder influence.
• Change leadership in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on value creation and impact.