Senior Manager, Explore - Innovation

About Brooks Running

Brooks Running thrives on the belief that movement unlocks a more vibrant life. The company develops gear and experiences that help people reach moments that invigorate the mind, body, or spirit – whether that’s a mental state or a competitive finish line.

Brooks employees share a culture of enthusiasm, teamwork, creativity, and innovation, united by core values including prioritizing runners, honoring commitments, wholehearted effort, generosity, and constantly moving forward with joy.

Role Summary

As a vital leader within the Horizon 3 Innovation Steering Group focusing on long-term innovations (5+ years), you will drive the discovery, definition, and advancement of groundbreaking concepts that could transform the future of running and sports performance. You will inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team to embrace bold, consumer-centric innovation and foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and ongoing learning.

Your team will explore future runner needs and develop new strategies to elevate Brooks’ vision, leading projects that analyze all dimensions of running performance to conceive and develop revolutionary product ideas. The team delivers strategic options for new products, fresh consumer insights and foresight, and thought leadership to solidify Brooks’ position as a pioneer in the running industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a self-directed, cross-functional innovation team managing a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Collaborate with functional managers to support individual and business growth opportunities for team members.
• Oversee project portfolios and ensure effective communication with senior leadership groups.
• Champion long-term innovation efforts, educating stakeholders on Horizon 3 goals and unique success metrics.
• Provide mentorship, training, and career development to nurture collaboration, excellence, and personal growth, building a talent pipeline.
• Serve as a steward of company culture and drive change management within the Footwear Innovation team.
• Enhance team culture proactively by identifying and resolving challenges as part of the Footwear management team.
• Direct strategic foresight activities to recognize emerging biomechanical insights, materials, data trends, and service models shaping running’s future.
• Investigate evolving consumer needs, megatrends, and innovation signals inside and outside the company.
• Translate research findings into actionable exploration projects and product concepts to support innovation pipelines and executive decisions.
• Manage exploration project designs and assign tasks according to project uncertainties and goals.
• Conduct real-world tests and pilots with athletes, communities, and partners to validate concept viability and performance.
• Create engaging presentations and prototypes that bring future concepts to life for stakeholders across the organization.
• Regularly report to the Steering Group on project progress focusing on learning, option value, and alignment with strategic goals rather than immediate ROI.
• Co-manage an innovation portfolio with clear learning targets, success measures, and hypotheses alongside the Explore team and Steering Group.
• Make informed recommendations to discontinue, pivot, or continue projects as appropriate.
• Ensure insights and learnings integrate back into the core innovation process and that successful projects transition smoothly to downstream innovation and product development teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in design, engineering, marketing, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years’ experience in innovation, product creation, or venture building within performance footwear, sports equipment, wearable technologies, or related high-performance sectors.
• Minimum 5 years managing and developing high-achievement teams.
• Proven success leading breakthrough concepts from ideation through commercial pilot or scaled launch.
• Experience working in or with innovation labs, advanced concept teams, or corporate venture units.
• Strong leadership skills capable of managing diverse functions beyond own expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of consumer behavior, emerging tech, and disruptive innovation approaches.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills to influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams, forming robust relationships.
• Analytical and independent thinker with capacity to challenge norms and resolve complex issues.
• A proactive innovator with demonstrated initiative to develop category-defining concepts through experimentation and validation.
• Skill in understanding decision impacts across customers, partners, products, and internal operations.
• Passion for Brooks’ mission and deep empathy for runners and active lifestyles.

Compensation and Benefits

This position, based at Brooks’ Seattle headquarters, offers an annual salary range between $145,098 and $232,157, depending on qualifications and experience.

Brooks provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, Health Savings Account with employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, family and fertility support, 401(k) plan with matching, employee assistance programs, and transportation subsidies.

Paid leave benefits include three to five weeks of annual vacation, eleven paid holidays, as well as paid sick and parental leave.

Additionally, employees may be eligible for an annual performance bonus. Perks also encompass product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, and volunteer or donation benefits.

Work Location & Culture

The role requires onsite presence four days per week at the Seattle office to maximize collaboration, creativity, and teamwork through in-person interaction.

Diversity & Inclusion

Brooks is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply. They are an equal opportunity employer not discriminating on any legally protected bases, including but not limited to race, religion, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other non-merit factors.