Job Description
Join Horizon Innovations at the forefront of tomorrow's possibilities. We're seeking a visionary Futurist & Strategic Innovation Lead to architect our roadmap for 2026 and beyond. This pivotal role demands a blend of analytical rigor and creative foresight to identify emerging trends, disrupt conventional thinking, and drive transformative initiatives across our global portfolio. You'll collaborate with C-suite executives, research labs, and industry disruptors to shape our future-proof strategy while mentoring a high-impact innovation team.
Why Horizon Innovations? Our culture celebrates intellectual curiosity and embraces calculated risk-taking. We offer competitive equity packages, unlimited PTO, and a state-of-the-art innovation lab in the heart of San Francisco's tech corridor. This role reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer and influences decisions across 15+ business units.
Responsibilities
- Analyze global megatrends (AI, quantum computing, bio-convergence) to map 3-5 year strategic horizons
- Design and lead cross-functional innovation sprints with R&D, product, and engineering teams
- Develop patent-worthy intellectual property portfolios targeting 2026 market opportunities
- Present strategic foresight frameworks to investors and board members quarterly
- Mentor a team of 4-6 innovation specialists in futures research methodologies
- Partner with universities (MIT, Stanford, ETH Zurich) on emerging technology pilot programs
Qualifications
- 10+ years in strategic innovation, futures research, or disruption consulting
- Advanced degree in Futures Studies, Systems Thinking, or equivalent experience
- Proven track record of launching products/services from emerging tech trends
- Expertise in scenario planning, horizon scanning, and weak signal analysis
- Experience with AI/ML tools for trend prediction (e.g., GPT-4, Palantir)
- Published thought leadership in innovation or foresight publications
- Portfolio showcasing 3+ strategic frameworks implemented at scale