Innovation Manager

*Candidates local to the Redmond, Washington area are desired, but the role is a remote position. MissionThe Innovation Manager is responsible for identifying, validating, developing, and commercializing strategic growth initiatives that create meaningful new recurring revenue for MAJIQ. Unlike traditional Product Management roles that focus on enhancing existing products, the Initiative Manager is responsible for discovering and building MAJIQ's next generation of business expansion. Acting as an internal entrepreneur, this individual identifies significant market opportunities, develops investment-ready business cases, leads customer validation, guides commercialization, and remains accountable for the initiative through its formative years until it becomes an established part of MAJIQ's business. The Initiative Manager works across customers, industry experts, Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Executive Leadership to transform strategic opportunities into sustainable businesses. Why This Role ExistsMAJIQ has established a strong leadership position within the pulp and paper industry. As manufacturing continues to evolve and traditional markets mature, MAJIQ is committed to expanding into adjacent industries, new business models, and emerging technologies. The Initiative Manager exists to identify and create the next generation of growth opportunities that will diversify MAJIQ's business and materially contribute to its long-term success. Key OutcomesThe Initiative Manager will be expected to: Identify and validate strategic growth opportunities capable of becoming significant new businesses for MAJIQ. Develop investment-ready business cases supported by customer validation, market research, and financial analysis. Build strong relationships with customers, prospects, industry experts, and strategic partners to uncover unmet market needs. Lead early customer engagement through advisory councils, design partnerships, proofs of concept, and pilot programs. Partner with Product and Engineering to define commercially viable Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Develop commercialization strategies including pricing, positioning, go-to-market planning, and customer adoption strategies. Build reference customers and establish early market credibility. Remain accountable for the commercial success and strategic direction of assigned initiatives until they mature into sustainable businesses. Responsibilities Opportunity DiscoveryIdentify strategic opportunities that leverage MAJIQ's strengths while expanding into adjacent markets and industries. Research emerging technologies, customer challenges, competitive offerings, and market trends. Develop and maintain a pipeline of potential ventures at various stages of maturity. Market ValidationConduct customer discovery with existing customers, prospects, and industry experts. Estimate Total Addressable Market (TAM) and Serviceable Available Market (SAM). Validate customer pain points, willingness to pay, and competitive differentiation. Build investment theses supported by market evidence. Business Case DevelopmentDevelop comprehensive business cases including: Market opportunity Customer value proposition Commercial strategy Pricing model Revenue projections Investment requirements Financial returns Risks and mitigation strategies Present recommendations to Executive Leadership for investment approval. Commercialization LeadershipPartner with Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success to: Define MVP scope Prioritize customer requirements Guide commercialization strategy Support product launch Develop sales enablement materials Build customer references Measure adoption and market success Venture LeadershipServe as the business owner for assigned initiatives by: Monitoring commercial performance Gathering ongoing customer feedback Recommending strategic pivots when appropriate Expanding market opportunities Transitioning mature initiatives into MAJIQ's core business portfolio Success MeasuresSuccess will be measured by: Quality and strategic value of opportunities identified Customer validation achieved Strength of investment recommendations Successful commercialization of new initiatives Customer adoption and market acceptance Strategic contribution to MAJIQ's long-term growth Creation of sustainable recurring revenue businesses Development of reference customers and new market presence Core Competencies WORKING WITH AI – DEVELOPING WITH AIThe successful candidate will demonstrate: Entrepreneurial MindsetNaturally identifies opportunities, embraces uncertainty, and demonstrates the initiative required to build something from the ground up. Commercial AcumenUnderstands how businesses create value through customer needs, pricing strategies, recurring revenue models, and profitable growth. Strategic ThinkingRecognizes emerging market opportunities and develops long-term growth strategies aligned with MAJIQ's vision. Customer