Senior Innovation Product Manager

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.
 
If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated. 
 
WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for building the transformational innovation roadmap and licensing pipeline fueled by brand strategy and consumer insights to create consumer value and market impact. The role drives upholstery innovation with a strong focus on reclining motion features and functionality. This role will manage key product innovation initiatives, establish and review key performance indicators (KPIs), and collaborate cross-functionally through product execution. This role will work closely with the Consumer Insights, Sourcing, Research & Development, & Merchandising teams as well as other stakeholders to coordinate the execution of our overall innovation roadmap and licensing processes, across the organization.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

• Drives the planning and alignment of innovation in product lines through the innovation contribution to product roadmaps, maximizing brand relevance, sales and profitability.
• Build and deliver results with the innovation capability at La-Z-Boy
• Build and execute the vision and strategies for innovation while translating brand and product strategy into innovation territories and development platforms
• Build and manage the development of a pipeline of transformational innovation fueled by a cross-functional team of Product Development, R&D and Consumer Insights, in collaboration with Marketing, Merchandising, Sourcing, and R&D partners.
• Implement best practices to streamline innovative workflows, improving efficiency and execution speed.
• Drive the development of advanced upholstery and motion furniture solutions, with a strong emphasis on reclining functionality and consumer experience.
• Stay on top of industry & competitive trends, emerging technologies, and partner with the Consumer Insights team on new insights to validate consumer wants and needs. 
• Establish, track, and analyze performance metrics related to product innovation, launch efficiency, consumer adoption, and market impact.
• Communicate innovation ideas, vision and strategies to internal partners to build the innovation roadmap and recommend appropriate resources.
• Build a network of external partners and suppliers to support innovative strategies including the development of materials and components that enhance innovation product offerings.
• Collaborate on product prototyping with externa partners, Sourcing, and R&D partners through validation processes.
• Partner with leadership to align on product target price points and volume estimates. Ensure design targets, quality requirements, and financial objectives are met as projects move from advanced development to commercialization.
• Responsible for developing and managing the company's Licensing Program, leveraging external partnerships to explore and test new product ideas, expand brand reach and organizational revenue.

SCOPE & IMPACT: 

Scope includes driving Innovation across the La-Z-Boy brand portfolio. Innovation will drive growth and relevance for the La-Z-Boy brand, playing a key role in achieving our Brand and Product Strategies.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience across product development, innovation or equivalent.
• 5+ years of supervisory/leadership experience.
• 5+ years of experience working in early innovation or advanced development.
• Comfortable with collaborating across cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and bring on board those resistant to change.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Outlook).
• Up to 30% travel

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 

• MBA or master in a related field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1-2 direct reports

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Operates in a professional office environment as well as a manufacturing en