POSITION PURPOSE: As Director of Innovation, your role would involve spearheading the development of groundbreaking solutions, products, and technologies related to automotive fluids and other products within or adjacent to the OWI portfolio of products. Your primary focus will be on identifying emerging trends, conducting research and development (R&D) activities, and fostering creative solutions to enhance the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of these products, along with the development of new to market fluids and other applicable products. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to translate innovative ideas into tangible products and processes that meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.

• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for innovation in automotive fluids, aligning R&D efforts with business goals, market trends, and technological advancements.
• Conduct Market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for innovation. Investigate trends, develop, recommend, and serve as lead on emerging technologies, consumer preferences, regulatory trends, and industry challenges related to automotive fluids.
• Identify, evaluate, and collaborate with external stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for innovation projects.
• Oversee the development and testing of new automotive fluid products and technologies, ensuring adherence to quality standards, performance specification, and regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate the design, prototyping and validation of innovative concepts and prototypes, working closely with the engineering team to optimize product designs and manufacturing processes.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across cross-functional teams. Ensure alignment and integration of innovation initiatives with overall business objectives.
• Manage the Intellectual Property portfolio related to innovations and trade secrets.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and regulatory risks associated with innovation projects. Implement controls and contingency plans to ensure the successful execution of projects while minimizing potential setbacks.

• Ability to provide innovative and forward-thinking insights to create and champion a culture of innovation throughout OWI.
• Ability to identify and leverage emerging trends to enhance the business value proposition.
• Decisive mindset, using facts and experience to align OWI leadership team to developing transformational innovation.
• Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams to achieve desired goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives, customers, and external partners.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership in analyzing market conditions and customer needs and matching potential innovations to improve customer experience.
• Demonstrated experience and success applying concepts of innovation and product development to improve business models, processes, products, and services.
• Proven ability to use reason, logic, and creativity to solve ambiguous problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with internal and external customers.
• Self-starter that can thrive in an ambiguous and collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

• 8+ years in leading innovation with a focus on fluids, lubricants, or related technologies.
• Advanced degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or related field. and/or related experience required.
• Deep technical expertise in fluid mechanics, tribology, rheology, and materials science.
• Practical knowledge of automotive fluid systems, components, and applications.
• Proven track record of success in developing a pipeline of innovations that delivered significant incremental growth, including product launches and technology transfer initiatives.
• Proven track record with the ability to lead, inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and drive results in a dynamic and cross-functional environment.