Innovation Strategist

Sourcewell•Staples, MN

5d•$77,904 - $124,000•Remote

About The Position

The Innovation Strategist is responsible for driving innovation and strategic growth initiatives by identifying, researching, and developing new solutions aligned with Sourcewell’s mission. This position coordinates cross-functional innovation projects from idea validation through early business case development and translates insights from data, trends, and member needs into actionable innovation opportunities that inform strategic direction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in related field OR a combination of post-secondary training, professional education, and related experience equivalent to four (4) years.
Minimum of three (3) years demonstrated experience in strategic planning, innovation development, or related roles
Strong presentation and facilitation skills
Hands-on experience with analytics tools and performance metrics software
Strategic planning and meeting facilitation experience
Minimum of six (6) year s demonstrated experience in strategic planning, innovation development, or related roles (Senior Innovation Strategist)

Responsibilities

Provide the means (e.g., research, ideas, solutions) to prototype innovation business cases with the potential to shape the innovation strategy, pipeline, and road map.
Develop complex innovations of critical products or services, running pilots and testing through fast-paced launches, managing project schedules, identifying risks, and communicating to project stakeholders and external partners.
Interpret the strategic need and identify solution recommendations to develop the innovation pipeline, informed by external trends, technologies, and market shifts.
Work within established strategic planning systems to achieve specific goals within area of responsibility.
Manage forecasting and demand planning projects, ensuring effective identification of trends for future demand and optimal planning of inventory and production.
Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving queries and issues and referring very complex or contentious issues to others.
Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.
Work within an established project management plan to achieve specific goals.
Develop tactical plans for optimizing resources and assets being managed within a given area or department.
Collate and analyze data using preset tools, methods, and formats. Involves working independently.
Assist with stakeholder engagement by arranging actions, meetings, events, and supporting materials to promote stakeholder understanding and commitment.
Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential.
Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
Other duties as assigned.