Director, Commercial Innovation

The Director, Commercial Innovation leads the execution of Signature Aviation's Commercial innovation strategy through governance, portfolio management, product advancement, AI enablement, and cross-functional transformation initiatives. Serving as a key member of the Guest Experience & Innovation leadership structure, this role converts strategic priorities into actionable initiatives that improve customer experience, commercial performance, operational effectiveness, and business value.

The Director is accountable for establishing and leading the Commercial innovation operating model, creating alignment between Commercial, Operations, IT Product Engineering, Finance, and Enterprise stakeholders. Through a team of Commercial Innovation Analysts, this leader ensures innovation initiatives move efficiently from concept through implementation, adoption, and value realization.

Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Execute the Commercial innovation strategy aligned to enterprise priorities.
• Lead the Commercial innovation portfolio, including digital products, AI initiatives, process improvements, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Establish prioritization frameworks, governance models, and stage-gate processes.
• Ensure initiatives align to strategic objectives, customer outcomes, and measurable business value.

Product & AI Leadership

• Develop and maintain the Commercial AI roadmap and innovation pipeline.
• Identify opportunities to improve guest experience, productivity, revenue performance, and decision-making through AI and automation.
• Champion innovation adoption across Commercial functions.
• Partner with Product Engineering to align business priorities with delivery roadmaps.

Business Value & Investment Management

• Oversee business case development, ROI analysis, KPI definition, and value realization reporting.
• Ensure investment decisions are supported by business outcomes and financial justification.
• Communicate portfolio health, risks, and realized benefits to executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as the primary Commercial liaison to Operations, Finance, IT Product Engineering, Analytics, and Enterprise Transformation teams.
• Facilitate alignment among stakeholders and remove barriers to execution.
• Ensure Commercial demand is funneled through a consistent intake and prioritization process.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop Commercial Innovation Analysts.
• Build innovation, product ownership, and change management capabilities across the team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Engineering, Technology, Analytics, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product management, innovation, business transformation, strategy, technology enablement, commercial operations, or related disciplines.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, including leading cross-functional teams and enterprise initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing business cases, prioritization frameworks, and governance models.
• Experience leading complex initiatives that require coordination across business, technology, operations, and finance functions.
• Proven success influencing senior leaders and driving organizational change.
• Experience leveraging data and analytics to support decision-making and measure business outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related advanced degree. 

• Experience leading innovation, digital transformation, AI, automation, or product management functions. 

• Formal training or certifications in Agile, Product Management, Change Management, Lean, Six Sigma, or Project Management. 

• Experience managing enterprise portfolios and capital investment decisions. 

• Aviation, hospitality, travel, transportation, technology, or other customer-centric industry experience. 

• Experience implementing AI-enabled solutions and emerging technologies at scale. 

• Experience working within matrixed, multi-functional organizations.

With more than 225 locations worldwide, Signature Aviation is the largest global network of private aviation terminals, delivering safe, convenient, and elevated experiences to those we serve. As a premier hospitality organization and a certified Great Place to Work™, we are committed to redefining private air travel. Our nearly 6,000-strong team of aviation experts and enthusiasts is dedicated to delivering excellence to our guests and communities, and it starts with taking care of our team. Signature provides a variety of benefits, programs, and resources to support our team members’ overall well-being and professional development. We proudly volunteer and give back, focusing on elevating the neighborhoods where we operate, empowering the next generation of aviation professionals, and supporting our veterans. 

From your health to your financial wellness, there are several benefits for you and your family when joining Signature Aviation.

     Our Benefits:

• Medical/prescription drug, dental, and vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• 401(k)
• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance
• Identity Theft and Legal Services
• Paid time off
• Paid Maternity Leave
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Training and Development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Perks