Innovation Relationship Manager

Innovation Relationship Manager

The Innovation Relationship Manager will play a key role in the front-end of G&W Electric's innovation process. This role will focus on identifying new business opportunities, establishing partnerships, and driving the early stages of innovation projects. The Innovation Relationship Manager will serve as the voice of the customer, working closely with the innovation team to ensure that customer needs are translated into actionable innovation initiatives. This role will involve building relationships with external stakeholders such as startups, universities, national labs, and industry partners to create a robust innovation ecosystem that supports G&W Electric's long-term growth. Additionally, the Innovation Relationship Manager will work directly with key customers to identify potential "Alpha" project opportunities and maintain regular follow-up throughout the Alpha process to ensure the successful testing and validation of new technologies.

As an Innovation Relationship Manager you will:

• Business Development & Market Research:
  
  Identify new business opportunities and emerging market trends in the electrical power industry. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to uncover gaps and opportunities for innovation that align with G&W Electric's strategic goals.
• Customer Collaboration & Identifying Alpha Opportunities:
  
  Engage with key customers to identify potential "Alpha" project opportunities, ensuring that customer feedback and needs are incorporated into the innovation process. Serve as the voice of the customer, building strong relationships to drive customer-centric innovation initiatives.
• Follow-up during Alpha Process:
  
  Maintain continuous communication with customers throughout the Alpha process to ensure successful testing, validation, and feedback of emerging technologies. Address customer concerns and adjust the innovation approach as necessary to meet customer expectations.
• Building Partnerships:
  
  Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key external stakeholders, including startups, universities, national labs, and industry partners. Cultivate relationships to enhance G&W Electric's innovation ecosystem and expand collaborative efforts on new technology development.
• Innovation Ecosystem Growth:
  
  Work with internal teams to identify and build the necessary external network that supports innovation efforts, including partners for technology development, government agencies for grants, and other research collaborators.
• Identifying Funding Opportunities:
  
  Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including government grants and research collaborations, to support the development of new technologies and innovations. Help prepare and support applications for government grants and other funding opportunities.
• Supporting the Innovation Team:
  
  Collaborate closely with the VP of Innovation, the research team, and the "Alpha" team to ensure that customer and market insights are incorporated into the innovation process. Provide front-end support to drive early-stage projects from concept to execution.
• Driving Innovation Strategy:
  
  Help shape the direction of G&W Electric's Product Innovation and Technology Strategy (PITS) by contributing to the identification of high-priority innovation areas. Align business development efforts with G&W Electric's long-term vision and technology roadmaps.

We are looking for someone who:

• Education & Experience:
  
  
  
  • Holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
  • Has 5-10 years of experience in business development, product innovation, or a related field, in the electrical power industry.
  • Has a proven track record of identifying new business opportunities and managing strategic partnerships.
  
  
  
  
• Industry Knowledge:
  
  
  
  • Possesses a strong understanding of the electrical power sector, including trends in digitalization, decentralization, and decarbonization.
  • Has experience working with external partners such as startups, universities, research institutions, and government agencies.
  
  
  
  

• Communication & Negotiation Skills:
  
  
  
  • Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with customers and partners at all levels.
  • Possesses strong negotiation and relationship-building skills to create successful partnerships.
  
  
  
  

• Entrepreneurial Spirit:
  
  
  
  • Has demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset, with a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities and driving them forward.
  • Has the ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
  
  
  
  

• Global Perspective:
  
  
  
  • Has experience working in a global context, managing international partnerships and understanding regional market dynamics
  
  
  
  

Preferably you will also have:

• Experience in Innovation Ecosystems:
  
  
  
  • Experience developing and managing innovation ecosystems, including partnerships with startups, national labs, and academic institutions.
  • Familiarity with government research funding and grant applications.
  
  
  
  

• Leadership Skills:
  
  
  
  • Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to drive initiatives from inception to execution.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally within a global team to meet innovation goals
  
  
  
  

What we offer you:

Typical pay is $111,828 - 148,113 annually.

Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.

This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program

G&W Electric offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Health club membership program and reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401 (k)
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Vacation
• Air-conditioned/heated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility

About G&W Electric

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive.

Learn more about our company by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMtAhsdYeUQ

G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world!

G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

*G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor