Applied Innovation Manager

View All Jobs

Job Position Summary:
This role requires a systems innovator who transforms complexity into clarity—specifically in how data is organized, accessed, and activated across digital platforms. The Applied Innovation Manager leads structured innovation efforts that turn fragmented OEM/dealership data into scalable, value-generating services using thoughtful architecture, process design, and—where appropriate—AI enablement.

They bring both creative thinking and disciplined methodology to architect workflows, prototype API-first access patterns, and accelerate the organization’s ability to make data-driven decisions. This individual acts as an integration and access architect, fluent in designing how data should flow and how users should interact with it—via APIs, events, and services. They are also a data innovation strategist who sees information silos as opportunities to unlock cross-functional value and drive enterprise-wide impact.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Innovation Leadership: Identify, evaluate, and pilot innovative technologies—especially artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and automation tools—that simplify user workflows and increase system efficiency. Maintain a strategic radar on emerging tech trends relevant to automotive retail and customer experience. The Applied Innovation Manager operates as a disciplined innovator, using structured methodologies such as design thinking, Lean experimentation, and dual-track agile to validate early ideas and scale the most promising solutions.

Solution Development & Application: Collaborate with product teams, architects, UX designers, and system integrators to recommend practical applications of advanced technology that enhance system usability. Prototype, test, and validate AI-driven features such as intelligent assistants, predictive interfaces, and process automation in the context of dealership operations. The ideal candidate is an AI-aware solution designer, able to assess when machine learning or intelligent automation provides differentiated value—and when simpler, streamlined innovation is more effective.

Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders by translating abstract innovation concepts into viable business applications with measurable value. Partner with dealership users to gather feedback and prioritize user-centric improvements. By identifying how siloed systems hinder operational efficiency, the manager will uncover new opportunities for unified, data-driven solutions that align with user needs and business goals.

Program Collaboration: Integrate with cross-functional workstreams (e.g., CRM, inventory, financing, digital retail) to ensure consistency and scalability of innovative solutions across the platform. Document and communicate innovation roadmaps, use cases, and business cases to leadership and technical teams. This includes architecting data and interaction flows in a way that supports modularity, reuse, and scalability across business domains.

Vendor & Partner Management: Evaluate third-party AI and technology vendors; oversee pilots, proofs of concept, and integration strategies. Coordinate with OEM and partner innovation labs when applicable.

Qualifications:

•    Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
•    Capable of managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
•    Comfortability working under pressure or strict deadlines. 
•    Demonstrated ability to solve problems and formulate recommendations.
•    Excellent communication skills. 
•    Exceptional attention to detail.
•    Outstanding writing and analytical-thinking skills.
•    Passion for learning and personal growth, specifically when it comes to technology.
•    Possess organizational and prioritization skills.
•    Self-starter with a high degree of integrity and professionalism.

Education and Experience:

•    Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Innovation Management, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus.
•    5+ years of experience in innovation, digital transformation, product management, or applied AI roles.
•    Demonstrated success implementing AI or advanced technology solutions in customer-facing digital systems, preferably in automotive or retail contexts.
•    Strong grasp of design thinking, agile product development, and change management principles.
•    Exceptional communication and collaboration skills; ability to align diverse stakeholders around visionary yet executable ideas.
•    Experience with tools and platforms such as OpenAI, Google Cloud AI, Microsoft Azure AI, or other applied ML/AI frameworks.
•    Automotive retail systems (e.g., DMS, CRM, F&I, inventory) experience preferred.
•    Experience working within or alongside large OEM environments.
•    Leading user research and usability-focused initiatives.
•    AI ethics, bias mitigation, and explainability in production systems experience preferred.