SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Serves as the Product Lead responsible for incubating and scaling new Innovation programs, pilots and prototypes within the Marketing Directorate, Business and Support Services Division (MR), Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department, Headquarters Marine Corps, reports to the Innovation Program Manager. This role is accountable for developing and commercializing new brands and concepts, testing, learning, and adapting in-market with both speed and agility.
Leads the planning, testing and launch of innovation from concept, prototype development, development of test plan, managing execution of the test plan, developing the business case to inform go-forward decision and hand-off to operations teams for commercialization.
Leads products/programs across the organization to include key stakeholders and multiple functional areas. Coordinates with installation and HQ leadership for program pilots and launches, ensuring milestones are met. Responsible for establishing and monitoring the metrics for the pilot phase in order to accurately forecast success of commercialization. Works with stakeholders to develop the business case/proof of concept and works closely with heads of Business Units for commercialization strategy.
Responsible for staying current on innovative trends within industries that affect Marine Corps Business Operations including retail, food, hospitality, and recreation. Responsible for developing and delivering reports on programs including vision plans, pilot programs, prototypes, business case and commercialization plans. Responsible for managing and balancing a portfolio of products/programs and communicating progress with key stakeholders.
Manages projects as assigned using accepted project management standards, methods and systems. Develops best practices and tools for product & project execution and management. Responsible for overseeing detailed task management, monitoring activities and reporting on project status. Has overall responsibility for assigned product and program launch. Serves as liaison to functional groups within HQ including legal, procurement, IT and business operations to develop pilot plans, business case analysis and operational handoff.
May be required to travel to USMC installations for planning and implementation of pilots, and travel to conferences and seminars to stay current with innovation trends.
This is a white-collar position where occasional lifting up to 20 lbs may be required.
Perform additional related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field appropriate to the work of the position and three years of experience in the occupation, or a related field or work area, OR an appropriate combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of knowledge and skill equivalent to that gained in the above, OR appropriate experience that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired the knowledge, skills and abilities equivalent to that gained in the above. Must have skill to apply this knowledge to diverse and complex assignments that require development and implementation of new products, programs and/or services considering a variety of factors including market viability, customer need and financial return.
Skill to navigate uncharted paths from a nascent idea to prototype to pilot plan to commercialization. Must be able to balance multiple competing priorities and work in an environment where new programs, products and services are being developed without established precedent; as such applicant must be highly creative in finding ways to bring the program to fruition. Must be comfortable with ambiguity and overcoming numerous barriers to achieve objectives.
Ability to collaborate with diverse working groups, across functional areas, and between headquarters and installation commands. Ability to build relationships and balance requirements with constituencies across the organization. Strong verbal and written communication skills a must; applicant must be able to visually present a concept and be able to articulate it clearly to other key stakeholders. Must have the ability to influence without authority to achieve collaboration and buy-in to achieve objectives.
Skill to deal effectively with senior leadership from military and commercial environments. Proficiency with office programs a must including word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint. Must be able to travel in support of projects.