Director, Innovation & Commercialization

Ilitch Charities, Inc.; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Legal and counseling services

Flexible spending accounts

Disability benefits

Adoption benefits

Perks of being associated with sports"

Access to events at Little Caesars ARE

Job summary

Little Caesars in Detroit is seeking a Director of Innovation & Commercialization to identify, develop, test, and scale new access, channel and service solutions that drive guest experience and franchisee value.

You will lead from idea to commercialization, building business cases, piloting concepts, and coordinating across Operations, IT, Marketing, Finance and Legal to deploy scalable, enterprise-ready innovations at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Technology, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in innovation, commercialization, strategy, operations, or tech leadership.
• 5+ years leading cross-functional teams or direct reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization.
• Develop enterprise deployment plans with measurable success criteria.
• Partner cross-functionally to drive launches and stakeholder engagement.
• Coach teams on innovation methodologies and project management.

Job description

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future At Little Caesars, innovation is about creating breakthrough solutions that improve guest experience, enhance restaurant operations, generate franchisee value, and drive profitable growth. As Director, Innovation & Commercialization, you will identify, develop, test, and scale the next generation of access, channel & service solutions, business models, and operational capabilities that shape the future of the business. You will lead the journey from idea to commercialization, transforming emerging concepts into measurable enterprise value. Reporting to the Vice President of Innovation, this leader will serve as a key catalyst for growth by managing a portfolio of strategic innovation initiatives focused on restaurant solutions, automation, delivery, operational excellence, and emerging business opportunities. Your Mission: Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization, ensuring that promising ideas become scalable, franchisee‑ready solutions that improve operations, drive guest satisfaction, and create competitive advantage. This role combines strategic thinking, business case development, pilot execution, change management, and cross‑functional leadership to accelerate innovation across Little Caesars.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Help build and execute an enterprise innovation roadmap in partnership with VP.
• Identify emerging technologies, consumer needs/trends, and market opportunities; analyze the vendor and competitive landscape; and evaluate their potential impact on restaurant operations and the corporate enterprise.
• Prioritize innovation investments using financial, operational, and consumer impact criteria.
• Develop business cases supporting new technologies, solutions, and business models.
• Own the process of moving innovation from pilot to enterprise deployment and establish measurable success criteria and go/no‑go decision frameworks.
• Develop commercialization strategies for new services, technologies, and operational capabilities.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Franchise Services, IT, Supply Chain, Training, R&D, Equipment, Marketing, Finance, and Legal to ensure successful launches.
• Build relationships with startups, technology providers, venture networks, incubators, universities, and industry organizations.
• Coach team members on innovation methodologies, project management, commercialization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, accountability, and execution.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Technology, or related field, MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, commercialization, strategy, operations, consulting, product development, or technology leadership.
• 5+ years leading cross‑functional teams or direct reports.
• Experience developing and scaling new products, technologies, services, or business models.
• Experience managing pilots, proof-of-concepts, and/or enterprise implementations.
• QSR, retail, consumer products, logistics, technology, or franchise business experience preferred.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Data‑driven decision making
• Project and program management
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal)
• Strong presentation skills within a large or small group setting.
• Proficient with AI and computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

Where You’ll Work

A state‑of‑the‑art building with a modern‑day, open environment in the heart of The District Detroit. A colleague fitness center, work café and an outdoor patio with grills. Over 60 different meeting spaces to help promote a collaborative environment. Occasional travel (~25% of time)

Benefits and Perks

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Legal and counseling services
• Flexible spending accounts
• Disability benefits
• Adoption benefits
• Perks of being associated with professional sports teams
• Access to events at Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park in our hometown of Detroit, Michigan

Blue Line Distribution is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested. This company participates in E-Verify.