The Director of Ecosystem Innovation leads AI-enabled solution innovation across strategic partner ecosystems, focusing on partnership development and commercialization of validated innovations.
Job Description:
- Define and execute the Partner Ecosystem Innovation strategy aligned to corporate growth priorities and existing technology roadmaps.
- Lead an innovation council of ecosystem subject matter experts (SMEs) to identify emerging trends, evaluate AI-driven opportunities, and prioritize initiatives with strong scalability and revenue potential.
- Own the end-to-end innovation lifecycle, from concept ideation and partner validation through prototype, pilot, and readiness for cross-ecosystem rollout.
- Enable commercialization by partnering with Product Management, Engineering, and Go-To-Market teams to embed validated AI solutions into core offerings.
- Establish and maintain innovation governance, including intake processes, evaluation criteria, ROI measurement, and success metrics.
- Represent ecosystem innovation efforts in internal innovation forums to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and avoidance of duplication.
- Influence executive leaders and partner stakeholders through compelling storytelling, data-driven insights, and thought leadership on AI and ecosystem evolution.
- Mentor and develop a high-performing team of ecosystem SMEs, fostering accountability, collaboration, and disciplined experimentation.
- 10+ years of experience in product innovation, technology strategy, product development, or product management within a SaaS or enterprise software environment.
- Demonstrated success building and scaling cross-functional innovation programs that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
- Deep understanding of enterprise technology ecosystems, including SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Workday, and their partner go-to-market models.
- Strong technical and business acumen related to AI, data platforms, automation, and scalable cloud-based solutions.
- Proven ability to influence and align engineering teams, product leadership, executive stakeholders, and global partners.
- Experience guiding teams from concept through working prototype with a focus on feasibility, scalability, and commercial value.
- Excellent strategic thinking, organizational agility, and executive-level communication skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree.
- Master’s degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) with a focus on technology, innovation, or strategy.
- Ongoing education or certifications related to AI, cloud platforms, data engineering, or enterprise ecosystems.
- Experience leading innovation across multiple partner ecosystems simultaneously
The Winning Way behaviors that all Vertex employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our customers, and our partners.• Communicate with Clarity - Be clear, concise and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback.• Act with Urgency - Adopt an agile mentality - frequent iterations, improved speed, resilience. 80/20 rule – better is the enemy of done. Don’t spend hours when minutes are enough.• Work with Purpose - Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results.• Drive to Decision - Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for customer outcomes.• Own the Outcome - Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.COMMENTS:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.
Pay Transparency Statement:
Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.* The range displayed does not encompass the full potential of the role, which allows for further growth and career progression.
In addition, as a part of our total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants.
Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs.
*In no case will your pay fall below applicable local minimum wage requirements.
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Computer Vision • Hardware • Internet of Things • Software
As a Core Account Executive, you'll build executive relationships, manage complex sales processes, and drive solution-based sales in enterprise accounts, focusing on digital transformation and customer success.
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Computer Vision • Hardware • Internet of Things • Software
As a Core Account Executive, you will manage enterprise customer relationships, drive sales processes, and support operational digitization efforts.
Information Technology • Software
Lead product strategy for a FinTech platform, managing the full product lifecycle, defining KPIs, and collaborating with stakeholders.
Top Skills:
AgileFintechProduct Management
What you need to know about the Mumbai Tech Scene
From haggling for the best price at Chor Bazaar to the bustle of Crawford Market, the energy of Mumbai's traditional markets is a key part of the city's charm. And while these markets will always have their place, the city also boasts a thriving e-commerce scene, ranking among the largest in the region. Driven by online sales in everything from snacks to licensed sports merchandise to children's apparel, the local industry is worth billions, with companies actively recruiting to meet the demands of continued growth.
