Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions, Inc Product Innovation & Strategy Manager

Overview

The Product Innovation & Strategy Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and advancing innovative technologies, products, services, and business processes across Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions. This role serves as a key collaborator and connector among Sales, Marketing, Technical Services, Operations, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Executive Leadership to support growth initiatives, accelerate commercialization efforts, enhance competitiveness, and create long-term value.

The Product Innovation & Strategy Manager drives innovation projects from concept through implementation, helping ensure alignment with company objectives, customer needs, and market opportunities while influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.

• Reports To:
  
  Vice President, Field Engineering & Technical Services
• Direct Reports:
  None

• Marketing, Sales, Technical Marketing, Operations, Technical Operations, Engineering, Quality, R&D, Communications, and Executive Leadership.

• Agencies, contractors, consultants, suppliers, universities, industry associations, research organizations, and strategic partners.

• Support the development and execution of the company's innovation strategy and technology roadmap.
• Identify emerging market trends, technologies, materials, and business opportunities that align with strategic objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional innovation initiatives from idea generation through commercialization.
• Support new product development efforts, pilot programs, field trials, and market validation activities.
• Facilitate innovation stage-gate processes and assist with portfolio management activities.
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Technical Services, and commercial teams to accelerate implementation and adoption of innovative solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, suppliers, industry organizations, and other strategic partners.
• Assist in evaluating licensing opportunities, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and other growth initiatives.
• Prepare business cases and financial analyses to support innovation investments and project prioritization.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing throughout the organization.
• Represent Ergon at technical conferences, industry meetings, committees, and customer events.
• Track, analyze, and communicate innovation project performance, milestones, and outcomes to leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter resource on innovation processes, product lifecycle management, and market development activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, Construction Management, Pavement Management, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in product management, construction management, pavement management, business development, innovation, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated understanding of product development and commercialization processes.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate market opportunities and develop business cases.
• Ability to present, train, and communicate technical and business information effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in cross-functional environments and influencing stakeholders without formal authority.
• Understanding of market development, customer adoption, and product lifecycle management principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; SAP, CRM, and project management software experience preferred.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and results-oriented.
• Ability to work independently while driving alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel as needed.
• Ability to work in office, plant, laboratory, and field environments, including exposure to varying weather and temperature conditions.
• Ability to wear required PPE.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work around asphalt and related materials.
• Ability to travel approximately 40-50%, including overnight travel.