Director of Product Innovation & AI-Enabled Solutions

Southwestern Family of Companies; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwestern Family of Companies is seeking a Director of Product Innovation in Nashville to lead the future of the product portfolio, guiding ideas from market research through launch of digital, AI-enabled and service-based offerings beyond the traditional print catalog.

The role drives portfolio strategy, pricing, and partnerships, and requires field-time, strong stakeholder influence, and a track record of delivering customer-centric products at scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, product management, marketing, education, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in product management or related leadership role.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills.
• Experience with market discovery and partnerships.
• Ability to manage complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Commitment to integrity and customer-focused outcomes.
• Ability to travel and spend time in the field.

Responsibilities

• Own continuous research program with families: in-home observation, post-purchase interviews, surveys.
• Lead design-to-launch of new digital, AI-enabled, and service-based products beyond print catalog.
• Define pricing, packaging, and channel-specific requirements with Sales and Finance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, IT and Finance to ensure readiness and execution.
• Negotiate licensing and partnerships with publishers, platforms, and tech providers.
• Maintain a 3–5 year roadmap with clear assumptions and trajectory.
• Oversee budget and report on return against product portfolio.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional leadership

Problem-solving

Project management

Business acumen

Commercial awareness

Adaptability

Stakeholder management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree (business / product management / marketing / education / learning sciences)

Job description

Southwestern Family of Companies is seeking a Director of Product Innovation in Nashville to lead the future of the product portfolio, guiding ideas from market research through launch of digital, AI-enabled and service-based offerings beyond the traditional print catalog.

The role drives portfolio strategy, pricing, and partnerships, and requires field-time, strong stakeholder influence, and a track record of delivering customer-centric products at scale.