The Innovation Manager of Smart Components NA will be charged as one of ITW Automotive’s subject matter experts on the entire ecosystem evolving around electric vehicles, with a specific focus on implications to smart components such as actuated and illuminated charge ports, access systems doors and trunk being actuated, illuminated and connected for today and tomorrow’s electric vehicles. With deep understanding of the engineering and the ecosystem around EV vehicles, including charging and access (inc. electronics), the Innovation Manager will be responsible for developing market and technical intelligence, and generating strategic implications and roadmaps for advanced smart components to provide the business with actionable strategic guidance on “where to play” and “where to invest”. Working across divisions as an EV market & technology expert, the job holder will be responsible for providing regular market and technology trend analysis and quantified turnover estimate deep dives, by establishing a standard process of systematic monitoring of latest industry and competitive technology solutions in EV Segment. Strong coordination and collaboration with Innovation, Sales & Engineering and Supply Chain is necessary to gather bottom-up intelligence and triangulate with the other sources and facilitate across divisions to generate an overarching view of EV ecosystem for charging and access evolution across the automotive segment globally.The Innovation Manager will be also responsible for identifying and evaluating new smart components trends e.g. automated sensor cover, within the EV systems, feeding into ITW Innovation Pipeline. Utilizing a range of market research, simulation studies, desktop research, data from consortiums, and collaborative engineering projects (both internal and external), the job holder will be responsible to develop and maintain close contacts with research institutions, labs, automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, particularly regarding advanced development and future evolution of vehicle system integration and smart component solutions. The Innovation Manager will play a crucial role in supporting the evolution of the next generation of smart component solutions and enabling ITW Automotive segment’s sustainable future growth in EV industry. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLESIdentifies and evaluates new market and product opportunities through observed end user needs, translating them into viable business offerings. Closely monitors the industry and competitive landscape.Deploys full range of marketing research tools/techniques to develop a deep understanding of end user pains, trends and needs including the development of end user segmentation behavioral profiles.Work with sales team to develop value propositions which translate into strategic value based selling techniques for profitable growthExceed financial targets by utilizing ITW Toolbox philosophies and other key metrics to manage an optimized product portfolio.Champions new product development strategies and execution of stage gate deliverables including the creation of new product business plans through collaboration with the platform Innovation teams, sales & engineering, and manufacturing/supply chain.Delivers financial commitments and manages the selling story around new product launches by leading the development and execution of robust commercialization plansLeads and develops talent to maximize individual, team and organizational effectiveness in meeting company goals.Lead divisional innovation efforts in alignment with global platform and innovation organizations.Provide regular market and technology insights into automotive ecosystem and identify key signposts to monitor on a regular basis.Participation in trade show events to gain market insights and leverage customer feedback.Conduct & refresh regular market and technology landscape and value chain analysis inc. emerging technology evaluation related to vehicle system, integrationRegional competitor identification and analysis in regarding to their strategy, activities & impact, latest industry, competitive products and programs.Business/pricing analysis and monitoring for customer requirements, supplier and competitor studies together with global market and advanced development team.Work closely with other regions to enhance understanding of system trends, best-practices, and technologies and share with European divisions in systematic and timely mannerScope/define and manage projects comprised of internal and 3rd party research resources.All other duties as assigned.
