Innovation Project Manager

<div class="content-intro"><div> <h2 class="title">Company Description</h2> </div> <p>We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.</p> <p>We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.</p></div><h2><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Job Description</strong></span></h2> <p>The Innovation Program Manager leads high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that support Olsson’s strategic growth, innovation, and business transformation efforts. This role is responsible for guiding approved innovation initiatives from early discovery through execution, ensuring projects are aligned with company objectives and deliver measurable value.</p> <p>Working closely with senior leadership, governance groups, and diverse internal teams, the Innovation Program Manager facilitates collaboration, secures stakeholder alignment, and drives momentum across complex initiatives. This position plays a key role in translating innovative ideas into actionable solutions by coordinating teams, managing risks, and maintaining clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.</p> <p>The ideal candidate brings strong project leadership, business acumen, and the ability to navigate ambiguity—helping Olsson explore new technologies, business models, and process improvements that strengthen the organization and support long-term success.</p> <p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic;">We have one current opening and will consider candidates interested in being located out of our Lincoln, NE, Omaha, NE, or Overland Park, KS office locations. </span></p> <h2>Essential Job Functions</h2> <p><strong>Project Leadership:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee transformational innovation projects, ensuring strategic alignment and execution.</li> <li>Build and manage high-performing teams to drive successful project execution.</li> <li>Drive the implementation of new technologies, business models, and process improvements.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Strategic Engagement & Leadership Support:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Support the identification and prioritization of high-impact innovation opportunities.</li> <li>Secure executive sponsorship and align projects with business objectives.</li> <li>Foster internal and external collaboration to generate innovation at all levels.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Governance & Prioritization:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Work with governance committees to validate, prioritize, and oversee projects.</li> <li>Use Lean Canvas, Innovation Scorecards, and feasibility assessments to evaluate initiatives.</li> <li>Provide transparent reporting on project impact and resource needs.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Collaboration & Communication:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Act as primary liaison between project teams and leadership.</li> <li>Engage cross-functional teams (IT, operations, finance, or outside entities) for project success.</li> <li>Develop concise presentations, status reports, and roadmaps.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Execution & Continuous Improvement:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Implement best practices for efficient project execution.</li> <li>Manage risks, optimize resources, and drive continuous improvement.</li> <li>Document lessons learned to enhance the innovation process.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Other Duties:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Perform additional related responsibilities as needed.</li> </ul> <div> <h2 class="title">Qualifications</h2> </div> <div class="wysiwyg"> <p><strong>You are passionate about:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Working collaboratively with others.</li> <li>Having ownership in the work you do.</li> <li>Using your talents to positively affect communities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>You bring to the team:</strong></p> </div> <ul> <li>Strong communication skills.</li> <li>Ability to contribute and work well on a team.</li> <li>3+ years managing complex, cross-functional innovation projects.</li> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field.</li> <li>Leadership skills with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.</li> <li>Strong ability to evaluate feasibility and align strategies with business goals.</li> <li>Experience in technology-driven industries is preferred.</li> <li>Developed stakeholder engagement skills, securing executive buy-in and driving adoption.</li> </ul> <p>#LI-DNP</p><div class="content-conclusion"><h2 class="title">Additional Information</h2> <p>Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.</p> <p>As an Olsson employee, you will:</p> <ul> <li>Receive a competitive 401(k) match</li> <li>Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths</li> <li>Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements</li> <li>Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities</li> <li>Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles</li> </ul> <p>In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.</p> <p> </p> <p>Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.</p> <p>Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.</p> <p>For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice <a href="https://www.olsson.com/privacy-policy">here</a>.</p></div>