Innovation Specialist

Vrijwilligers Service Punt; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

VSP Vision is seeking an Innovation Specialist to support GIC initiatives by applying core expertise and collaborating with ecosystem partners. The role focuses on learning, execution, and collaboration with guidance from senior team members, helping to reimagine eye care delivery.

Responsibilities include project design, technology evaluation, prototyping, and user research. You will present findings across the enterprise and work with internal and external partners in a hybrid/remote setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in Innovation, Emerging Technology, or related areas.
• Experience in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, or technology settings is preferred.
• Strong presentation and communication skills with ability to simplify complex ideas.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and execution of projects and programs across the GIC.
• Contribute to technology evaluation, prototyping, and proof-of-concept activities.
• Monitor domain areas and assess impact to the business.
• Apply user research and experimentation methodologies under guidance.
• Develop and pitch new project ideas and present findings to leadership.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deepen knowledge.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

4+ years experience

Creative problem solving

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Explain technical concepts to non-tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

The Innovation Specialist supports GIC initiatives by applying core expertise and collaborating with ecosystem partners and other domain experts to reimagine the way eye care and eyewear are delivered to the world. This role contributes to the delivery of innovation projects and programs across the GIC and helps clarify complex topics for team members. The Innovation Specialist focuses on learning, execution, and collaboration, with guidance from senior team members. Assist in the design and execution of projects exploring and scaling concepts related to assigned domain areas Contribute to technology evaluation, business model innovation, prototyping, and proof-of-concept activities Monitor assigned domain area(s) and build an understanding of their potential, maturity, and impact to our business Build on existing experience to quickly understand new technology, business models, markets, consumer trends, etc needed to develop awareness of adjacent areas Apply concept testing and validation, user research, or other related experimentation methodologies under the guidance of senior team members Support product or business model evaluation using established scorecards and criteria Support the identification and definition of problems and opportunity areas, development of hypotheses, and contribute to testing and validation of assumptions Develop and pitch new project ideas and opportunities Contribute to presentation of project findings to all levels of the enterprise Collaborate with internal and external partners that deepen current and future knowledge between the company and emerging markets.

Job Specifications Typically has the following skills or abilities: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or equivalent experience Minimum 4 years of experience in relevant topics including: Innovation, Emerging Technology, Research & Development, Product Design, or related Industry experience in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology is preferred but not required Expertise in a relevant subject matter domain and developing understanding of adjacent areas in healthcare, business models, and technology Experience contributing to projects and adapting to changing requirements Demonstrates creative problem solving and adaptability Experience working in creative cultures in either consulting or large corporate environments is preferred Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to contribute to research briefs and presentations (PowerPoint) Able to explain technical concepts to non-technical people, including the relevance to their work or business Interested in developing and sharing project pitches Skilled at providing and receiving thoughtful and constructive feedback For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFH)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFH), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment #LI-VISIONCARE Compensation range for the role is listed below. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses and commissions.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Unincorporated LA County Residents: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act, and any other similar laws.

As a regular part of doing business,VSPVision (“VSP”)collects many different types ofpersonal information, including protected health information, about ouraudiences, includingmembers, doctors,clients, brokers, business partners,andemployees. VSP Vision employees will have access to this sensitive personal information and are subject to follow Information Security and Privacy Policies.

At VSP Vision, we’re all about seeing potential—literally! We believe that everyone deserves access to quality vision care, and we’re on a mission to make that happen. With nearly 70 years in the eye health industry, our team is driven by compassion, care, and a shared mission to help people see every possibility. When you join our global family of nearly 15,000 teammates, you’re stepping into a world where innovation meets impact. We value collaboration, inclusion, and making sure that everyone feels they belong. Ready to grow your career in an environment that’s as supportive as it is inspiring? Then VSP is the place for you. Let’s work together to create a clearer, brighter future—one person at a time. Follow your heart to VSP! #VisionWithHeart