Associate Director – Innovation Hub Leader

Carrier seeks an Associate Director to lead its European Innovation Hub, driving breakthrough technologies in HVAC and energy systems to ensure long-term competitive advantage.

The company is looking for a leader to direct the European Innovation Hub within its Global Innovation Center of Excellence. This role focuses on identifying, incubating, and accelerating new technologies and business opportunities to secure a strong market position. The successful candidate will guide a diverse team through a wide range of projects, including data center cooling, electrification, and AI-enabled solutions.

Responsibilities

• Guide a high-performing group while encouraging a mindset of experimentation and creative problem-solving.
• Oversee cross-functional innovation initiatives from initial concept through to commercialization readiness.
• Define the innovation strategy by spotting opportunities linked to customer demands, market shifts, and new tech.
• Manage technology scouting efforts and build partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and industry peers.
• Support the company’s intellectual property goals and maintain leadership in advanced technology.
• Provide technical direction across advanced energy and climate technology domains.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Engineering, Energy Systems, Physics, or a related field
• Experience leading innovation, R&D, advanced technology, or incubation programs
• Strong track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and external collaborations
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making skills
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and translate emerging technologies into business value

Nice to have

• Experience in approaching innovation through a product lens, in addition to technology lenses
• Entrepreneurial experience
• Experience in dynamic corporate environments
• International experience

What the company offers

• Unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable climate and energy solutions
• Leading a high-impact innovation portfolio with global visibility and strategic importance

About the company

Carrier focuses on avoiding emissions at scale, with products like heat pumps serving as major enablers of electrification and decarbonization.

• Carrier products, including heat pumps, are a major enabler of electrification and decarbonization
• Focus on avoiding emissions at scale