Vice President, Innovation

Overview Justrite Safety Group is a dynamic organization dedicated to protecting people, property, and the planet. Our mission is to deliver advanced industrial safety solutions that set the standard for excellence. We are growth‑oriented and seek top talent to join our team as we lead the charge in revolutionizing industrial safety. Our Chemical & Environmental Safety division is a market leader, providing essential products for chemical and environmental compliance across industries. We manufacture equipment for the secure storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, including chemical safety cabinets, spill containment systems, safety cans, safety showers, eyewashes, and chemical labeling items to protect workers and assets. The Contribution You’ll Bring to This Role The Vice President, Innovation & Productivity will lead the strategic direction and execution of Justrite’s innovation, new product development (NPD), and engineering initiatives across the enterprise. This executive will be responsible for increasing product vitality, accelerating differentiated innovation, leading robust value engineering efforts, and enhancing the commercialization of customer-centric solutions. You’ll oversee a growing team of engineers and technical professionals (approximately 4) and collaborate across departments to develop scalable, compliant, and cost-effective safety solutions. The ideal candidate will blend technical excellence with strong leadership and a deep understanding of manufacturing and market needs. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute an enterprise-wide innovation and NPD strategy aligned with corporate growth goals. Build and mentor a high-performing advanced engineering team, including experts in metals and plastics. Collaborate with executive leadership to identify market opportunities and prioritize innovation investments. New Product Development (NPD) Lead cross-business unit engineering efforts to develop platform-based, differentiated products that address real-world customer challenges. Manage the full NPD lifecycle using a structured stage gate or agile process from ideation through launch. Drive rapid prototyping, iterative design, and manufacturability to shorten time-to-market. Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) Implement a robust VA/VE program to reduce product costs, increase margins, and simplify designs—without compromising safety or quality. Drive ideation and product management processes to include product tear downs and rebuilds for higher quality and value. Facilitate cross-functional VA/VE workshops and reinvest savings into innovation initiatives. Commercialization & Customer Insight Champion voice-of-customer (VOC) programs and market research to uncover unmet needs and guide product development. Partner with Product Management, Sales, and Marketing to ensure clear value propositions and successful product launches. Lead post-launch reviews to drive continuous improvement. Innovation Culture & External Partnerships Cultivate an innovation-first culture across the organization. Establish strategic partnerships with universities, labs, and third-party vendors to accelerate innovation and access cutting-edge technologies. Lead the intellectual property strategy, including patents and trade secret protection. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred). 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering, product development, or innovation within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success in leading NPD and VA/VE initiatives and launching commercially successful products. Expertise in materials science (especially metals/plastics), compliance-driven industries, and structured innovation processes. Proven ability to build high-performing teams and influence stakeholders in a matrixed organization. Strong business acumen with a customer-centric approach to technical problem solving. Experience in safety-related or regulated industries is a strong plus. Additional qualifications that could help you succeed include: Master’s or MBA (preferred). Compensation The position offers a competitive base salary ranging from $220,000 to $250,000. Actual base salaries will vary based on location, relevant experience, and performance. The role is eligible for an annual incentive plan tied to Justrite Safety Group and unit targets. Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible hours and alternative work arrangements where applicable; a 401(k) with company match; short- and long-term disability insurance; generous paid time off and personal days; and an employee wellness program. Why Choose Justrite Safety Group? Join a team dedicated to product excellence and making a positive impact. We offer opportunities for career advancement and collaboration with leading professionals in the field. Equal Opportunity Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr