Culture of Innovation Project Manager

Project Overview

The Innovation Office exists to accelerate ability to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy by turning frontline problems into enterprise solutions. Its mission is to enable speed with discipline—providing the structure, visibility, and support needed to move ideas from insight to outcome. Through programs such as Eureka!, the Innovation Champions Network, and the broader Culture of Innovation portfolio, the Office empowers employees to contribute ideas, experiment with new approaches, and build skills that drive measurable business impact. The focus is on embedding innovative behaviors into daily work, creating an environment where creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement become part of Client’s operational DNA. Client is seeking a Culture of Innovation Project Manager to drive initiatives that embed innovation mindsets and behaviors across the organization. Reporting to the Director of Culture of Innovation Program, this role supports strategic transformation by enabling employees to contribute ideas, experiment with solutions, and continuously improve how we work and operate. The position will lead the internal innovation pipeline process with a specific focus on increasing effectiveness and improving efficiency as we scale our internal innovation work. This role is central to the operation of Client’s internal innovation ecosystem—including Eureka, the Innovation Hub/Zone, innovation challenges, and capability‑building efforts—and will help the Innovation Office scale a test‑and‑learn environment that brings measurable value to Client’s strategic priorities

Job Functions & Responsibilities

Innovation • Lead the application of innovation methodologies—such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile—to guide teams through problem‑solving, rapid experimentation, and the development of user‑centered solutions. • Design or support internal innovation pipelines or programs. o Oversee the intake, evaluation, and support of employee-submitted ideas from submission through implementation o Support teams in moving from concept to implementation by clarifying requirements, defining milestones, and tracking progress. o Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple innovation ideas and pilots simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. o Connect staff to tools, mentors, and resources to help move ideas forward. o Track and manage rewards and recognition program tied to idea submission and implementation. • Manage digital innovation platforms (e.g., idea management or experimentation tools). • Support Strategic Execution: o Align cultural initiatives with Client’s broader innovation strategy and digital transformation goals. Contribute to planning, maturity assessments, and capability-building initiatives. Project & Program Management • Oversee end to end project execution across multiple simultaneous initiatives by coordinating diverse stakeholders, organizing and prioritizing tasks, and ensuring smooth progression from planning through delivery and final evaluation. Collaboration & Communication • Communicates clearly and effectively across the organization by translating complex ideas into accessible, compelling messaging tailored for diverse audiences—supporting internal communications, reporting, presentations, workshops, and strategic storytelling. • Prepare leadership ready materials and facilitating workshops. • Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration: o Partner effectively across functions and levels. o Partner with HR, DEI, Talent Development, Communications, and business units to connect innovation practices and experiences into a variety of employee experiences. • Provide constructive feedback. Culture & Change • Leads the design and implementation of cultural transformation and engagement initiatives by applying principles of cultural change, employee engagement, and adult learning theory to strengthen organizational mindsets, behaviors, and learning experiences that support an innovative and psychologically safe workplace. • Design, facilitate, or lead workshops, learning sessions, or group facilitation. o Collaborate on training sessions and workshops on topics which support our Innovation pipeline and processes. Data & Measurement • Comfort with data, dashboards, and metrics to drive improvements and measure impact. • Track Progress and Share Results: o Define and monitor key metrics related to innovation participation and outcomes. o Support teams in moving from concept to implementation by clarifying requirements, defining milestones, and tracking progress. o Collaborate on regular reporting and internal communications to showcase progress and highlight success stories.

Skills

• Strong understanding of innovation and innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, lean startup, agile). • Strong Project Management and organizational skills • Knowledge of digital platforms (ideally Innovation focused platforms) • Demonstrated experience designing, managing, or improving cross functional processes or programs. • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and prioritization skills. • Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience preparing materials for leadership and facilitating meetings. • Comfort working with data (e.g., tracking metrics, building basic dashboards, summarizing insights). • Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and building relationships across functions and levels. • Ability to provide constructive feedback to individuals at various levels of seniority • Strong understanding of innovation and innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, lean startup, agile). • Knowledge of cultural change, employee engagement, and adult learning theory. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts for broad audiences

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Business, Innovation, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred. • 7+ years of experience in innovation, change management, organizational development, or related disciplines. • Experience leading internal innovation or employee engagement programs. • Strong facilitation and program management experience in a complex or regulated organization. • Prior experience in public sector or energy/utilities is a plus.

Why Choose Cogent? Cogent Infotech stands at the forefront of technology consulting and is recognized globally for its award-winning services. With our headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, we specialize in guiding enterprises through digital transformation, leveraging the power of emerging technologies such as Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and AI. Our mission is to provide innovative workforce solutions that address the complex challenges faced by today’s businesses.

As an ISO-certified firm and appraised at CMMI level 3, our reputation for excellence is well-established. We are proud to collaborate with over 70 Fortune 500 companies and more than 150 Federal C State agencies, delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that drive success.

Cogent is an equal opportunity employer. Cogent will not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law.