Associate Director – Innovation Hub Leader

Associate Director – Innovation Hub Leader

Location: Lucerne, Switzerland (hybrid)

Carrier is looking for a visionary and execution-focused leader to head our European Innovation Hub within Carrier's Global Innovation Center of Excellence (ICOE).

In this role, you will identify, incubate, and accelerate breakthrough technologies and business opportunities that drive long-term competitive advantage. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and a portfolio of innovation projects spanning HVAC, energy systems, data center cooling, thermal management, electrification, sustainability, AI-enabled solutions, and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team while fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation.

• Manage cross-functional innovation programs from concept towards commercialization readiness.

• Drive innovation strategy by identifying opportunities from customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies.

• Lead technology scouting and partnerships with startups, universities, research institutes, and industry leaders.

• Contribute to Carrier’s intellectual property strategy and long-term technology leadership.

• Provide technical leadership across advanced energy and climate technologies.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD preferred) in Engineering, Energy Systems, Physics, or a related field. Alternative qualifications are welcome.

• 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.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience in approaching innovation through a product lens, in addition to technology lenses

• Entrepreneurial experience

• Experience in dynamic corporate environments

• International experience

Join Carrier and help shape the future of intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Carrier products, including heat pumps, are a major enabler of electrification and decarbonization; at a scale of ~500 MtCO2e/a scope 3 footprint that is mostly electrified, and thus avoiding emissions at scale.

Why Join Carrier?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable climate and energy solutions while leading a high-impact innovation portfolio with global visibility and strategic importance.

Apply now to help define the next generation of technologies at Carrier.

Pay Range: CHF140,000.00 - CHF280,000.00