Innovation Principal, Emerging Technology

The Innovation Principal works with designers, ecosystem partners, and other domain experts to reimagine the way eye care and eyewear are delivered to the world. The incumbent brings order, clarity, and thoughtfulness to project teams and can demystify complex, specialized topics. The Innovation Principal elevates understanding by presenting findings clearly to all levels of the enterprise, both in writing and verbally.

Design and lead projects that explore and scale concepts related to assigned domain area(s) with a clear business impact. Projects may involve technology evaluation, business model innovation, prototyping, and proof-of-concept creation

Monitor assigned domain area(s) and build an understanding of their potential, maturity, and impact to our business

Build on existing experience to quickly understand new technology, business models, markets, consumer trends, etc. needed to maintain domain expertise

Proficient in concept testing and validation, user research, or other related experimentation methodologies

Evaluate and compare products using custom scorecards that highlight capabilities and fit for specific business problems

Identify and define problems and opportunity areas, develop hypotheses, and select appropriate testing methods to validate assumptions.

Develop and pitch new project ideas and opportunities

Present project findings to all levels of the enterprise

Maintain cross-functional relationships with internal and external partners that deepen current and future knowledge between the company and emerging markets

Job Specifications

Typically has the following skills or abilities:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; or equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred

Minimum 6 years of experience in relevant topics including: Innovation, Emerging Technology, Research & Development, Product Design, or another relevant domain

Industry experience in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology is preferred

Deep expertise in a relevant subject matter domain and broad understanding of adjacent spaces, including healthcare, business models, and technology

Experience in moving projects forward despite uncertainty and knowing when a pivot is required

Has a “Swiss army knife” approach to problems. Creative problem solving

Experience working in creative cultures in either consulting or large corporate environments

Excellent presentation and communication skills, including writing research briefs and presentations (PowerPoint)

Can discuss technical concepts with non-technical people, including the relevance to their work or business

Enjoys developing and sharing project pitches

Skilled at providing and receiving thoughtful and constructive feedback

For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFM)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment

Preferred Skills

Experience in corporate innovation environments, with familiarity navigating ambiguity, structured decision-making processes, and the transition of pilots into scaled business outcomes

Proven ability to monitor technology and business trends to create an informed point of view of where the trend is headed and how it could impact our business

Demonstrated expertise in one or more emerging technology domains, such as Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing, Health Technology, Wearables, Oculomics

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Compensation range for the role is listed below. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses and commissions. For more information regarding VSP Vision benefits, please click here .  

Salary Ranges: $84,000.00 - $141,750.00

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status .  We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.  

Unincorporated LA County Residents: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act, and any other similar laws.

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