Job Description
Join NextGen Innovations as we pioneer the frontiers of 2026. We're seeking a visionary Futurist Innovation Lead to architect tomorrow's solutions today. This role demands strategic foresight, cross-industry expertise, and the ability to transform emerging trends into actionable blueprints that redefine human progress. You'll collaborate with C-suite executives, R&D pioneers, and global thought leaders to shape our innovation roadmap for the next decade.
What You'll Achieve:
- Lead horizon scanning and trend analysis to identify breakthrough opportunities
- Develop strategic frameworks for emerging technologies (AI, quantum, biotech, etc.)
- Drive innovation sprints with multidisciplinary teams
- Present future scenarios to executive stakeholders and investors
- Build our 2026 innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships
Responsibilities
- Analyze global megatrends and technological disruptions to inform 2026 innovation strategy
- Design and facilitate cross-functional innovation workshops with 50+ participants
- Produce high-impact scenario-planning reports for C-suite decision-making
- Lead pilot programs for emerging technologies with $2M+ budgets
- Represent NextGen at global futurism conferences and summits
- Mentor junior futurists and build our internal foresight capabilities
- Develop KPIs to measure innovation pipeline success
Qualifications
- 10+ years in innovation strategy, R&D, or futurism with Fortune 500 experience
- Proven track record of launching tech-driven products/services with $10M+ revenue impact
- Deep expertise in at least two emerging tech domains (AI/ML, quantum computing, synthetic biology)
- Advanced degree in Futures Studies, Systems Thinking, or related field
- Exceptional presentation skills with experience to executive audiences
- Certification in strategic foresight (e.g., CFIP) preferred
- Portfolio demonstrating 3+ future-oriented projects implemented at scale
- Fluency in data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)