What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP Global Innovation position at WD-40 COMPANY?
Overview
Shape the Future of Innovation—Globally
Are you a visionary leader ready to drive breakthrough innovation on a global scale? We’re seeking a dynamic Vice President, Global Innovation to lead our company’s growth and competitive advantage by developing and executing a world-class innovation strategy. This is your opportunity to champion sustainable, human-centered products and create meaningful value for end-users and stakeholders—while shaping the future of our iconic brand.
Responsibilities
What You’ll Do
- Lead Global Innovation Strategy: Define, implement, and evolve our innovation strategy and technology partnerships, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market dynamics.
- Governance & Portfolio Management: Chair the Global Innovation Council, oversee innovation governance, and manage a robust portfolio—including resource allocation, P\&L, and prioritization.
- Process Oversight: Drive the end-to-end innovation process, from discovery to launch, embedding user-centered design and optimizing customer experience.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with R\&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Commercial teams to ensure local relevance and global consistency. Present innovation vision to executive leadership, board members, and industry stakeholders.
- Talent Stewardship: Build and lead a high-performing global team, foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, and evolve organizational capabilities.
- External Partnerships: Develop strategic relationships with external partners, research institutions, and technology vendors.
Qualifications
What You Bring
- Expertise: Deep knowledge of global innovation processes, governance frameworks, and sustainable human-centered design. Proficiency in design thinking, agile development, and innovation management tools.
- Leadership: Exceptional communication and presentation skills for diverse global audiences. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to lead across multiple time zones and business cultures.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills, resilience, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Experience balancing long-term innovation investments with short-term business performance.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher in Business, Innovation, Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Experience: 10–15 years leading global innovation strategy, launching successful products in international markets, and managing innovation pipeline risks.
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and should not require sponsorship now or in the future to legally work in the U.S.
Why Join Us?
- Impact: Directly influence the strategic direction and results of our global innovation portfolio.
- Growth: Drive market share gains, expand our patent portfolio, and build scalable innovation capabilities.
- Culture: Be part of a purpose-driven, values-based organization that champions creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
Ready to make innovation systemic, scalable, and sustainable? Apply now and help us build a more sustainable future.
About Us
Our “Why”
At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes. Our "why" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do.
Why You Should Apply
- A strong values-aligned organization where contributions are acknowledged and rewarded, and where 90% of our employees experience a sense of belonging.
- A learning-based culture where 78% of our team believe they can achieve their career objectives.
- Over 94% employee engagement as of the January 2025 global employee survey results.
- 99% of our people report that they “love to tell people that they work for WD-40 Company!"
Do You Align With Our Values?
Please, only consider employment with WD-40 Company if you feel as strongly about our values as we do: We live, breathe, and play by our values every day.
Thank you for considering WD-40 Company in your career search!
#PositiveLastingMemories
At WD-40 Company we foster a culture of inclusion where all individuals are recognized, valued, respected, and experience a sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to individual characteristics that make us unique such as our backgrounds, experiences, qualities, talents, traits, beliefs, and preferences. #LI-RS1
