Viking Masek Packaging Technologies
Innovation Manager
Viking Masek Packaging Technologies, Oostburg, Wisconsin, United States, 53070
Overview
Viking Masek Packaging Technologies provides innovative packaging automation for food, beverage, health, medical, and consumer goods manufacturers globally. We offer advanced solutions like vertical form fill seal (VFFS), premade pouch, stick pack machines, flow wrapping equipment, case packers, and cartoners. At Viking Masek we focus on innovation and integration, delivering complete packaging automation solutions to optimize production lines worldwide. Job Description
The Innovation Manager will be responsible for gathering and analyzing technical aspects of the voice of the customer (VoC) activities to identify opportunities for monetizing these insights into cutting-edge automated packaging machinery within identified markets. This role will shape the company\'s vision and provide a roadmap for new products, adjacent market spaces, as well as product rationalizations. The Innovation Manager will occasionally assist in developing complex technical solutions and will lead and grow a team of innovative engineers. Key Role Areas (KRA)
Leadership Excellence Voice of the Customer (VoC) Product Vision, Roadmap, and Market Analysis Monetization Technical Solutions Team Leadership Responsibilities
KRA #1 – Leadership Excellence
Inspire and develop high-performing teams through clear vision, accountability, and leading by example. Build a culture of continuous improvement by driving innovation, establishing scalable processes, and leveraging systems and visual KPIs to manage performance. Communicate with clarity and consistency; cascade key company messages to ensure alignment, engagement, and buy-in at all levels. Lead with integrity and resilience, especially through change, while upholding Viking Masek\'s values and performance expectations. Actively advocate for company direction and decisions.
KRA #2 – Voice of the Customer (VoC)
Gather, analyze, interpret and extract technical customer feedback to identify unmet needs and opportunities for innovation. Develop and implement VoC methodologies, techniques, and tools to ensure accurate and actionable insights. Work closely with Customer Experience (CX) VoC analyst to ensure full technical alignment of VoC opportunities. Proactively travels for in-person plant visits to observe production and analyze operator/maintenance personnel methodology. Work with plant personnel to determine opportunities to streamline processes through innovative solutions.
KRA #3 – Product Vision, Roadmap, and Market Analysis
Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategic roadmap for new product development, adjacent markets, and product rationalizations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful product launches. Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation. Conduct market research to identify new opportunities and threats. Observe customers in plant processes to identify gaps in technology offerings.
KRA #4 – Monetization
Translate VoC insights into strategic, profitable automated packaging machinery solutions. Identify and evaluate market opportunities to maximize revenue and growth. Approach daily work with an entrepreneurial mindset, advocating and internally selling great ideas. Develop detailed ROI justification, including risk and opportunity cost to support ideas.
KRA #5 – Technical Solutions
Provide support in developing complex technical solutions for new and existing products. Work closely with engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility and innovation.
Qualifications
Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 7 years of design experience in automation, with a strong understanding of automated packaging machinery. Proven track record in product innovation, VoC methodologies, and translating customer insights into actionable strategies. Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and long-term initiatives aligned with company goals. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills, with the ability to develop complex solutions. Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Proficient in gathering and analyzing data to identify trends, opportunities, and drive product development. Knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape. Creative, forward-thinking, and passionate about continuous improvement and innovation. Travel up to 20% is required. Desired Skills
Prefer experience in design and product innovation in the automated packaging machinery industry. Core Values
SERVICE: Serving our customers, colleagues, and community INNOVATION: Solving your unique packaging challenges MOTIVATION: Motivated by our story to build your story PARTNERSHIP: Listening with curiosity and empathy to build strong relationships LEADERSHIP: Confidently transforming your goals into realities EXCELLENCE: Committed to delivering our best We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Strategy/Planning and Information Technology Industries
Machinery Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Viking Masek Packaging Technologies provides innovative packaging automation for food, beverage, health, medical, and consumer goods manufacturers globally. We offer advanced solutions like vertical form fill seal (VFFS), premade pouch, stick pack machines, flow wrapping equipment, case packers, and cartoners. At Viking Masek we focus on innovation and integration, delivering complete packaging automation solutions to optimize production lines worldwide. Job Description
The Innovation Manager will be responsible for gathering and analyzing technical aspects of the voice of the customer (VoC) activities to identify opportunities for monetizing these insights into cutting-edge automated packaging machinery within identified markets. This role will shape the company\'s vision and provide a roadmap for new products, adjacent market spaces, as well as product rationalizations. The Innovation Manager will occasionally assist in developing complex technical solutions and will lead and grow a team of innovative engineers. Key Role Areas (KRA)
Leadership Excellence Voice of the Customer (VoC) Product Vision, Roadmap, and Market Analysis Monetization Technical Solutions Team Leadership Responsibilities
KRA #1 – Leadership Excellence
Inspire and develop high-performing teams through clear vision, accountability, and leading by example. Build a culture of continuous improvement by driving innovation, establishing scalable processes, and leveraging systems and visual KPIs to manage performance. Communicate with clarity and consistency; cascade key company messages to ensure alignment, engagement, and buy-in at all levels. Lead with integrity and resilience, especially through change, while upholding Viking Masek\'s values and performance expectations. Actively advocate for company direction and decisions.
KRA #2 – Voice of the Customer (VoC)
Gather, analyze, interpret and extract technical customer feedback to identify unmet needs and opportunities for innovation. Develop and implement VoC methodologies, techniques, and tools to ensure accurate and actionable insights. Work closely with Customer Experience (CX) VoC analyst to ensure full technical alignment of VoC opportunities. Proactively travels for in-person plant visits to observe production and analyze operator/maintenance personnel methodology. Work with plant personnel to determine opportunities to streamline processes through innovative solutions.
KRA #3 – Product Vision, Roadmap, and Market Analysis
Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategic roadmap for new product development, adjacent markets, and product rationalizations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful product launches. Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation. Conduct market research to identify new opportunities and threats. Observe customers in plant processes to identify gaps in technology offerings.
KRA #4 – Monetization
Translate VoC insights into strategic, profitable automated packaging machinery solutions. Identify and evaluate market opportunities to maximize revenue and growth. Approach daily work with an entrepreneurial mindset, advocating and internally selling great ideas. Develop detailed ROI justification, including risk and opportunity cost to support ideas.
KRA #5 – Technical Solutions
Provide support in developing complex technical solutions for new and existing products. Work closely with engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility and innovation.
Qualifications
Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 7 years of design experience in automation, with a strong understanding of automated packaging machinery. Proven track record in product innovation, VoC methodologies, and translating customer insights into actionable strategies. Strong leadership, team management, and mentoring skills. Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects and long-term initiatives aligned with company goals. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and technical skills, with the ability to develop complex solutions. Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Proficient in gathering and analyzing data to identify trends, opportunities, and drive product development. Knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape. Creative, forward-thinking, and passionate about continuous improvement and innovation. Travel up to 20% is required. Desired Skills
Prefer experience in design and product innovation in the automated packaging machinery industry. Core Values
SERVICE: Serving our customers, colleagues, and community INNOVATION: Solving your unique packaging challenges MOTIVATION: Motivated by our story to build your story PARTNERSHIP: Listening with curiosity and empathy to build strong relationships LEADERSHIP: Confidently transforming your goals into realities EXCELLENCE: Committed to delivering our best We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. Seniority level
Mid-Senior level Employment type
Full-time Job function
Strategy/Planning and Information Technology Industries
Machinery Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr