Innovation Strategist

  • C001 Sourcewell
  • Staples, MN
  • 4mo ago
  • Full-Time
  • Remote

Position Title:

Innovation Strategist

Salary Range:

Innovation Strategist (Grade 15, Exempt). Annual salary range: $77,904 – $97,380. This range reflects the minimum to midpoint of the grade. Salary may exceed the midpoint and will commensurate with experience.

Senior Innovation Strategist (Grade 16, Exempt). Annual salary range: $99,200 – $124,000. This range reflects the minimum to midpoint of the grade. Salary may exceed the midpoint and will commensurate with experience.

Job Description Summary:

The Innovation Strategist is responsible for driving innovation and strategic growth initiatives by identifying, researching, and developing new solutions aligned with Sourcewell’s mission. This position coordinates cross-functional innovation projects from idea validation through early business case development and translates insights from data, trends, and member needs into actionable innovation opportunities that inform strategic direction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Provide the means (e.g., research, ideas, solutions) to prototype innovation business cases with the potential to shape the innovation strategy, pipeline, and road map.

  • Develop complex innovations of critical products or services, running pilots and testing through fast-paced launches, managing project schedules, identifying risks, and communicating to project stakeholders and external partners.

  • Interpret the strategic need and identify solution recommendations to develop the innovation pipeline, informed by external trends, technologies, and market shifts.

  • Work within established strategic planning systems to achieve specific goals within area of responsibility.

  • Manage forecasting and demand planning projects, ensuring effective identification of trends for future demand and optimal planning of inventory and production.

  • Provide specialist advice on the interpretation and application of policies and procedures, resolving queries and issues and referring very complex or contentious issues to others.

  • Prepare and coordinate the completion of various data and analytics reports.

  • Work within an established project management plan to achieve specific goals.

  • Develop tactical plans for optimizing resources and assets being managed within a given area or department.

  • Collate and analyze data using preset tools, methods, and formats. Involves working independently.

  • Assist with stakeholder engagement by arranging actions, meetings, events, and supporting materials to promote stakeholder understanding and commitment.

  • Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation, where relevant, to improve performance and fulfill personal potential. Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications 

Bachelor’s Degree in related field OR a combination of post-secondary training, professional education, and related experience equivalent to four (4) years.

Minimum of three (3) years demonstrated experience in strategic planning, innovation development, or related roles; of which the total years of experience include:

  • Strong presentation and facilitation skills

  • Hands-on experience with analytics tools and performance metrics software

  • Strategic planning and meeting facilitation experience

In addition to the above, the Senior Innovation Strategist required qualifications include:

Minimum of six (6) years demonstrated experience in strategic planning, innovation development, or related roles.

Location:

  • This is a remote position, and is subject to Sourcewell's telecommuting policies and procedures.
  • Travel requirements to events and to Staples, MN for meetings, professional development or team activities is approximately 5-7 times per year. Notice will be given ahead of time.

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40#LI-Remote