Director, Innovation & Commercialization

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future At Little Caesars, innovation is about creating breakthrough solutions that improve guest experience, enhance restaurant operations, generate franchisee value, and drive profitable growth. As Director, Innovation & Commercialization, you will identify, develop, test, and scale the next generation of access, channel & service solutions, business models, and operational capabilities that shape the future of the business.

You will lead the journey from idea to commercialization, transforming emerging concepts into measurable enterprise value. Reporting to the Vice President of Innovation, this leader will serve as a key catalyst for growth by managing a portfolio of strategic innovation initiatives focused on restaurant solutions, automation, delivery, operational excellence, and emerging business opportunities. Your Mission:
Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization, ensuring that promising ideas become scalable, franchisee‑ready solutions that improve operations, drive guest satisfaction, and create competitive advantage. This role combines strategic thinking, business case development, pilot execution, change management, and cross‑functional leadership to accelerate innovation across Little Caesars.

• Help build and execute an enterprise innovation roadmap in partnership with VP.
• Identify emerging technologies, consumer needs/trends, and market opportunities; analyze the vendor and competitive landscape; and evaluate their potential impact on restaurant operations and the corporate enterprise.
• Prioritize innovation investments using financial, operational, and consumer impact criteria.
• Develop business cases supporting new technologies, solutions, and business models.
• Own the process of moving innovation from pilot to enterprise deployment and establish measurable success criteria and go/no‑go decision frameworks.
• Develop commercialization strategies for new services, technologies, and operational capabilities.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Franchise Services, IT, Supply Chain, Training, R&D, Equipment, Marketing, Finance, and Legal to ensure successful launches.
• Build relationships with startups, technology providers, venture networks, incubators, universities, and industry organizations.
• Coach team members on innovation methodologies, project management, commercialization, and stakeholder engagement.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, accountability, and execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Technology, or related field, MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, commercialization, strategy, operations, consulting, product development, or technology leadership.
• 5+ years leading cross‑functional teams or direct reports.
• Experience developing and scaling new products, technologies, services, or business models.
• Experience managing pilots, proof-of-concepts, and/or enterprise implementations.
• QSR, retail, consumer products, logistics, technology, or franchise business experience preferred.

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Data‑driven decision making
• Project and program management
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal)
• Strong presentation skills within a large or small group setting.
• Proficient with AI and computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

A state‑of‑the‑art building with a modern‑day, open environment in the heart of The District Detroit. A colleague fitness center, work café and an outdoor patio with grills. Over 60 different meeting spaces to help promote a collaborative environment. Occasional travel (~25% of time)

• Medical insurance
• Dental…