Innovation Program Manager

Fortive; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 126,000 - 236,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in industrial technology is seeking a Venture Lead to oversee the innovation program. This role includes managing operations, tracking KPIs, and collaborating with teams to drive innovation initiatives. Candidates should possess strong program management skills, with an educational background in Business or Engineering, and a desire to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in program management, ideally in innovation or technology-driven sectors.
• Strong organizational and time management skills for multitasking.
• Ability to analyze and track KPIs effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the innovation program.
• Plan and schedule activities to support innovation goals.
• Track KPIs and provide updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Program Management

Communication

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Creative Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Project Management Tools

Job description

Job Title: Venture Lead

Location:Franklin TN

Job Overview:We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Venture Lead to join our team. This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, planning and scheduling onsite activities, and assisting in experimentation planning. The Innovation Program Manager will own and track KPIs for teams and help manage the innovation funnel to ensure successful project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-Day Operations:Manage the daily operations of the innovation program, ensuring smooth execution of all activities.
• Planning and Scheduling:Plan and schedule onsite activities, including workshops, meetings, and events, to support Fortive’s innovation agenda.
• Experimentation Planning:Assist in the planning and execution of experimentation initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• KPI Management:Own and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for various teams, providing regular updates and insights to stakeholders.
• Funnel Management:Help manage the innovation funnel, from idea generation to implementation, ensuring a robust pipeline of innovative projects.
• Collaboration:Work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, IT, and customer service, to drive innovation initiatives.
• Reporting:Prepare and present reports on program progress, KPIs, and outcomes to senior management.

Market Validation & Customer Development

• Product-market fit validation methodologies and customer discovery processes
• Direct experience with lean startup principles and MVP development cycles
• Proven ability to conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer interviews

Venture Ecosystem Experience

• Background in startups, accelerators, or venture capital environments
• Understanding of funding stages, investor relations, and pitch development
• Experience building external partnerships with mentors, advisors, and industry players

Business Model Development

• Financial modeling and revenue model creation for early-stage ventures
• Go-to-market strategy development and execution
• Ability to guide companies from concept through market entry

Entrepreneurial Leadership

• Experience mentoring startup teams and managing high-uncertainty environments
• Track record of taking ideas from validation through commercialization
• Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving venture contexts

Sample KPIs to Track:

• Revenue Score Card:Manage innovation KPIs and metrics on H1-H3 while also
• Experiments Built Goals:Monitor the number of experiments built per team, aiming for 10+ experiments per team
• Velocity of Ideas Generated:Track the average number of ideas generated per quarter, with a target of 10 ideas
• Speed of Decisions Made (PPK):Measure the average time taken to make decisions, aiming for an average of 6 weeks
• Timeline Reduction Due to Early Risk Mitigation:Aim for a 10% reduction in timelines due to early risk mitigation
• Number of Innovation Champions Created:Track the creation of innovation champions, with a goal of 3 champions
• Horizon Mix Resources Matching Model:Ensure resource allocation matches the model of 70% H1, 20% H2, and 10% H3
• Value of Ideas in the Funnel:Track the total value of ideas in the innovation funnel, aiming for a value of $100 million+

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in program management, preferably in an innovation or technology-driven environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to track and interpret KPIs and other performance metrics.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to driving innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with agile methodologies and tools.
• Familiarity with innovation frameworks and methodologies.
• Knowledge of data analysis and visualization tools.

How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to

Fortive Corporation Overview

Fortive’s essential technology makes the world stronger, safer, and smarter. We accelerate transformation across a broad range of applications including environmental, health and safety compliance, industrial condition monitoring, next-generation product design, and healthcare safety solutions.

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in software-powered workflow solutions, data-driven intelligence, AI-powered automation, and other disruptive technologies. We’re a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to groundbreaking sustainability solutions.

We are a diverse team 17,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact.

At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential—your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference.

At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone.

At Fortive, we believe in growth. We’re honest about what’s working and what isn’t, and we never stop improving and innovating.

Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.

Ready to move your career forward? Find out more at careers.fortive.com.

We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Pay Range
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is 126,700.00 - 235,300.00