Director of Innovation and Advancement

Job Description

Performance Contracting Group is seeking a forward-thinking, strategic, and results-oriented Director of Innovation and Advancement based in Lenexa, KS. The Director of Innovation and Advancement leads enterprise-wide innovation initiatives, identifying transformative opportunities and driving the adoption of new technologies, processes, and business models that enhance operational efficiency, customer value, and long-term growth. The candidate will be responsible for helping design, construct and operationalize an Innovation Center in Lenexa, KS and be responsible for the following:

Leadership and Strategic Vision

• Lead the Corporate Innovation function, including cross-functional innovation teams and pilot programs.
• Champion an innovative mindset throughout the organization by building awareness, support, and capabilities at all levels.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and prioritize innovation initiatives that align with PCG's strategic goals.
• Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports and innovation team members.
• Champion PCG's core values: Safety, Quality, Integrity, Employee Success & Well-Being, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Customer Alignment, and Fun Company.

Innovation Development & Execution

• Lead the Innovation Board and collaborate with business stakeholders to drive idea generation and solution design.
• Evaluate new technologies, processes, and market trends for potential application within PCG.
• Guide the development, piloting, and scaling of innovative concepts that improve efficiency, sustainability, and competitive advantage.
• Oversee a portfolio of innovation projects, ensuring milestones, ROI, and implementation outcomes are met.
• Collaborate with IT and operations to implement digital tools, platforms, and automation solutions.
• Track innovation metrics and performance indicators, reporting progress to executive leadership.
• Partner with marketing, business development, and field operations to commercialize new solutions where applicable.

Organizational Enablement

• Build frameworks, tools, and processes that enable teams to test, refine, and implement new ideas.
• Oversight of training and awareness campaigns that cultivate creativity and cross-functional collaboration.
• Identify and develop partnerships with startups, research institutions, and industry collaborators.

Financial Management

• Manage innovation budgets and ensure alignment of resources with high-impact opportunities.
• Present financial and operational updates on innovation projects to leadership, including investment forecasts and risk assessments.
• Develop business cases to support strategic innovation investments.

External Stakeholder Interface

• Engage in industry events such as tradeshows, Venture Capital meetings, and customer events to align and promote PCG's innovation initiatives.
• Foster relationships with external stakeholders to identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Basic Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in innovation, strategic planning, business transformation, or operations leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, construction, technology, or a related field-or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven success leading cross-functional innovation projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Skilled in change management, facilitation, and collaboration.
• Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable innovation plans.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with innovative platforms and digital project management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience within construction, manufacturing, or industrial services industries.
• Background in lean methodologies, digital transformation, or emerging technology application.
• Local to the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Benefits

At Performance Contracting, our employees are our greatest asset. We put our people first and are proud to provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees at every stage of life.

In our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive personally and professionally, we offer:

• Competitive pay
• Incentive bonus plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with match
• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance plans with flexible spending account option
• Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Flexible paid time off policy and paid holidays

PCG provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

PCG is a background screening, drug-free workplace. In accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.), Title 50, Chapter 9, PCG's Drug-Free Workplace Program includes drug and alcohol testing as part of the hiring process and throughout employment, as applicable.

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

NOTICE TO STAFFING FIRMS, AGENCIES AND EMPLOYMENT VENDORS:

Performance Contracting Group and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters without a signed Fee Agreement in place AND a candidate has been submitted into our applicant tracking system (Dayforce). Vendor solicitation should be directed to the Corporate Recruitment Department directly; as such, firms that circumvent the required compliant process will be barred from submitting candidates. In the absence of a signed fee agreement AND proper resume submission, PCG does not recognize any claim on a candidate by a third party, will consider unsolicited resumes the property of the company and reserves the right to engage and hire those candidates without any financial responsibility to the third-party vendor.