VP Global Innovation

WD-40 Company (UK); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance, 80-95% company-paid premium

Dental and vision insurance

401K match

Short-day Fridays

Vacation

Job summary

A global consumer products company is seeking a Vice President, Global Innovation to lead its innovation strategy and drive market share gains. The role requires deep knowledge of global innovation processes and sustainability, with a focus on building a high-performing team. Candidates should have 10–15 years of experience in leading innovation strategies and be authorized to work in the U.S. The role offers a salary of $220K to $260K plus benefits including medical insurance and a 401K match.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years leading global innovation strategy.
• Experience launching successful products in international markets.
• Ability to lead across multiple time zones and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Define, implement, and evolve innovation strategy.
• Manage innovation governance and portfolio.
• Drive end-to-end innovation process from discovery to launch.

Skills

Global innovation processes

Design thinking

Agile development

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Master’s degree or higher in Business, Innovation, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Innovation management tools

Job description

Are you a visionary leader ready to drive breakthrough innovation on a global scale? We’re seeking a dynamic Vice President, Global Innovation to lead our company’s growth and competitive advantage by developing and executing a world-class innovation strategy. This is your opportunity to champion sustainable, human-centered products and create meaningful value for end-users and stakeholders—while shaping the future of our iconic brand.

What You’ll Be Doing

What You’ll Do

• Lead Global Innovation Strategy: Define, implement, and evolve our innovation strategy and technology partnerships, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market dynamics.
• Governance & Portfolio Management: Chair the Global Innovation Council, oversee innovation governance, and manage a robust portfolio—including resource allocation, P&L, and prioritization.
• Process Oversight: Drive the end-to-end innovation process, from discovery to launch, embedding user-centered design and optimizing customer experience.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Commercial teams to ensure local relevance and global consistency. Present innovation vision to executive leadership, board members, and industry stakeholders.
• Talent Stewardship: Build and lead a high-performing global team, foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, and evolve organizational capabilities.
• External Partnerships: Develop strategic relationships with external partners, research institutions, and technology vendors.
• Partners closely with R&D (does not lead) in the product ideation and development

What You’ll Bring To The Role

What You Bring

• Expertise: Deep knowledge of global innovation processes, governance frameworks, and sustainable human-centered design. Proficiency in design thinking, agile development, and innovation management tools.
• Leadership: Exceptional communication and presentation skills for diverse global audiences. Cultural sensitivity and the ability to lead across multiple time zones and business cultures.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical skills, resilience, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Experience balancing long-term innovation investments with short-term business performance.
• Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher in Business, Innovation, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Experience: 10–15+ years leading global innovation strategy, launching successful products in international markets, and managing innovation pipeline risks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. and should not require sponsorship now or in the future to legally work in the U.S.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Directly influence the strategic direction and results of our global innovation portfolio.
• Growth: Drive market share gains, expand our patent portfolio, and build scalable innovation capabilities.
• Culture: Be part of a purpose-driven, values-based organization that champions creativity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

Ready to make innovation systemic, scalable, and sustainable? Apply now and help us build a more sustainable future.

Total Rewards

$220K to $260K / year includes base salary plus 10% - 15% profit‑sharing contribution to your retirement account. Salary is determined by multiple factors including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job‑related qualifications, and alignment with market data.

• Medical insurance, 80-95% company-paid premium
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401K match
• Short‑day Fridays
• Vacation

At WD-40 Company, we believe that purpose-driven, passionate people guided by our values create amazing outcomes. Our "why" is refreshingly simple - we exist to create positive lasting memories in everything we do.

Why You Should Apply

• A strong values-aligned organization where contributions are acknowledged and rewarded, and where 90% of our employees experience a sense of belonging.
• A learning-based culture where 78% of our team believe they can achieve their career objectives.
• Over 94% employee engagement as of the January 2025 global employee survey results.
• 99% of our people report that they “love to tell people that they work for WD-40 Company!