Innovation Lead

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. We are Making Possible™ products and solutions that help advance the industries we serve, providing branding and information solutions that optimize labor and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and mitigate loss, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency and better connect brands and consumers. We design and develop labeling and functional materials, radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlays and tags, software applications that connect the physical and digital and offerings that enhance branded packaging and carry or display information that improves the customer experience. Serving industries worldwide — including home and personal care, apparel, general retail, e-commerce, logistics, food and grocery, pharmaceuticals and automotive — we employ approximately 35,000 employees in nearly 60 countries. Our reported sales in 2025 were $8.9 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

Job Description

Avery Dennison has created a Digital Center of Excellence to achieve the digital ambitions for the company. As a Innovation Lead, you will be at the forefront of our digital transformation. You will be responsible for and have the freedom to lead the identification, exploration, and development of new business and technology opportunities that add measurable value across key experience domains, including Customer, Employee, Factory, and Product experiences, as dictated by business needs. You'll be the bridge between technical brilliance and strategic vision, collaborating with stakeholders across the organization to turn 'what if' into reality.

The Innovation Lead will assist in developing overarching digital strategies, ideate and prioritize innovation ideas, and execute proof of concepts in collaboration with extended business stakeholders and technology development teams. Fostering open communication and active collaboration within and across IT and business units is extremely important for success. This is an individual contributor role managing matrixed teams and requires strong leadership and influencing capabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead Exploration and Development: Identify and explore new business and technology opportunities across various experience domains (Customer, Employee, Factory, Product). Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute innovative solutions that deliver business value. This includes exploring ways to improve existing technology processes and challenging the status quo.
• Facilitate Workshops: Run exploration and "big idea" sessions with designers, architects, business stakeholders, and other relevant parties to brainstorm new ideas or develop existing ones.
• Drive Strategic Impact and Value Creation: Analyze market trends, conduct business analysis, and facilitate workshops to understand Avery Dennison's key challenges/problems. Prioritize ideas for digital innovation that drive tangible business results across all experience pillars.
• Execute Proof of Concepts: Lead the execution of proof of concepts (POCs) utilizing the DICE agile framework and Design Thinking methodologies in collaboration with internal IT/business stakeholders and external partners.
• Strategic Contribution: Assist in the development of holistic digital experience strategies for the enterprise, adapting focus between Customer, Employee, Factory, and Product domains as required. Leverage your own development skills where possible to showcase the potential of emerging technologies.
• Be a Visionary Leader: Collaborate with leadership teams to shape the digital experience strategies, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and fostering innovation across the organization.
• Evangelize Digital Innovation: Communicate the value of improving experiences through digital technologies and innovative approaches to internal and external audiences.
• Manage Relationships: Manage collaborative relationships with vendors, partners, and suppliers to support emerging technology initiatives.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, system analysis, data science, or a related field of study, or equivalent experience.
• 5-8+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3+ years working in a global and matrixed environment in a technology or innovation-focused role.
• 3-5+ years of experience in technology solutions analysis and implementation across one or more domains (e.g., Customer-facing solutions like eCommerce, CRM; Employee-facing solutions; Factory/Industrial solutions including Industry 4.0 concepts; Product innovation technologies).
• Technical Prowess: Prior programming and cloud development experience is a plus. Comfortable working with cutting-edge technologies and eager to expand your skill set. Experience with Jira, GitHub, and a high standard for code quality and software development processes are beneficial.
• Strategic Mindset: Possess a keen understanding of business drivers and the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable strategies leveraging data.
• AI, Data & Analytics Acumen: Experience with data analysis, data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and proficiency in SQL are pluses. Familiarity with data science principles, machine learning (ML), or artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and their practical applications in business would be a significant advantage.
• Communication Mastery: Excel at communicating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing, to all levels of the organization and to external audiences. Experience creating and delivering compelling presentations to executive audiences.
• Passion for Innovation: Naturally curious, constantly seeking out new ideas and approaches to challenge the status quo. Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex business problems.
• Collaborative Spirit: Thrive in cross-functional teams, building strong relationships and inspiring others with your enthusiasm and expertise. Ability to understand and connect with others. Demonstrated strong collaboration, negotiation, and influencing skills in a highly matrixed organization.
• Proven Innovator: Experience introducing new and innovative technologies or going from "zero to one" on new innovations that enable improved business performance across a variety of functions.
• Project Management & Consultation: Consultation and project management skills are preferred. Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Attributes: Remains unbiased and displays intellectual integrity. Motivated by long-term results. Highly collaborative and supportive of business and of its ideals and strategies.
• Travel in excess of 25% may be required.

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