Director, Services Innovation – Special Projects

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Design and manage the operating system for Services innovation, which includes processes for intake, prioritization, experimentation, governance, funding, and transitioning to portfolio management.

• Lead a team of innovation Product Line Managers (PLMs) and cross-functional collaborators.

• Spearhead strategic, complex, and cross-portfolio special initiatives endorsed by Services leadership.

• Formulate the Services innovation strategy, set priorities, and manage the portfolio.

• Create an innovation pipeline and establish decision-making forums with stakeholders across functions.

• Supervise evaluations of market conditions, customer needs, strategic alignment, feasibility, investment, risk assessment, differentiation, and routes to market.

• Manage rapid prototyping, customer co-creation, pilot programs, and evidence generation.

• Oversee the innovation portfolio, make recommendations for R&D investments, and handle special project plans and executive reporting.

• Develop and critically assess Profit and Loss statements (P&Ls) and business cases for intricate innovation projects, pilots, and special initiatives.

• Monitor financial outcomes throughout the innovation funnel using P&L and investment performance indicators.

• Evaluate post-commercialization metrics such as revenue, margin, adoption rates, and return on investment, making recommendations for continuation, scaling, transfer, redirection, or termination.

• Guide Innovation and R&D expenditures based on strategic importance, commercial viability, returns, and portfolio priorities.

• Ensure that validated concepts are handed off to designated portfolio owners through readiness and enablement processes.

• Enhance team capabilities, set objectives and performance expectations; delegate tasks and eliminate obstacles.

• Conduct horizon scanning and scenario planning.

• Ensure visibility of Services tools and automation to promote reuse and minimize redundancy.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or equivalent relevant experience; an advanced degree is preferred.

• Extensive leadership experience in telecommunications services, innovation, portfolio management, product management, strategy, or business development.

• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex cross-functional programs amidst uncertainty.

• Strong skills in business case development, investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial acumen.

• Demonstrated proficiency in developing complex opportunity P&Ls, interpreting portfolio-level financial performance, tracking relevant P&L and investment metrics, and conveying insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Experience in experimentation, prototyping, customer validation, and commercialization.

• Possess a credible executive presence with the ability to influence across organizational boundaries.

• Experience in Services R&D, AI, automation, software-enabled services, or digital operations is a plus.

• Background in partnerships, acquisitions, ecosystem development, or new business incubation is advantageous.

• Formal training in innovation methodologies, design thinking, agile practices, product management, or program management is beneficial.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Flexible work arrangements.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Participation in the DCPP (Canada) with company matching contributions.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Paid company holidays.

• Paid sick leave.

• Vacation time.

• Paid Family Leave and other types of leave.

• Eligibility for discretionary incentive bonuses for non-sales personnel.