Director, Corporate Innovation
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Role Description
Corporate Innovation is one of Eastman's few enterprise-level organizations designed to look across technologies, material streams, businesses, and markets. Its greatest value lies in proactively identifying and enabling Eastman's next wave of growth through new platforms, enabling technologies, talent development, and long-term innovation leadership. At times, Corporate Innovation also serves to support and fill resource gaps for some of the most pressing short-term corporate opportunities.
The Director, Corporate Innovation leads a team of Chemists, Engineers, Technicians and Marketers to define cross-enterprise technology strategy, build future growth platforms, and advance high-value cross-business opportunities. This leader will integrate multidisciplinary capabilities including molecular modeling, synthesis, application innovation, external innovation, technology scouting, and emerging technologies—to deliver differentiated platforms and measurable business impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Define the vision, operating model, and strategic priorities for Corporate Innovation.
- Identify and assess opportunities created at the intersection of global/regional macro trends and Eastman competencies/capabilities to define Where to Play, Should We Do it and How To Win options.
- Govern the innovation portfolio across near-term enablement, Horizon 2 opportunities, and Horizon 3 platforms
- Advance cross-business opportunities through disciplined experimentation and evidence-based investment decisions.
- Focus core capabilities on differentiated technology platforms, external partnerships, intellectual property, and business impact.
- Build a high-performing, inclusive leadership team with clear expectations, strong development, and succession depth.
- Influence senior stakeholders and strengthen partnerships across businesses, functions, universities, startups, suppliers, and external organizations.
- Use scorecards and governance to track value creation, risk reduction, transition readiness, adoption, and talent development.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree or higher degree in relevant technical discipline.
- 15+ years relevent experience required.
- Experience leading large complex global organizations required.
- Demonstrated ability to identify the intersection of external trends and needs required, including experience working with third party parters.
- Demonstrated track record of empathetic people leadership.
- Leadership experience with an understanding of competency building.
- Market insight and strong customer/value chain engagement skills.
- Experience with new product and application development and commercial launch.
- Competency with technology and innovation portfolio management.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated expertise in effective collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Demonstrated ability to set strategy, prioritize portfolios, allocate resources, influence stakeholders, hire and develop talent, and deliver measurable outcomes.
- Sound judgment in ambiguous environments, with the ability to balance near-term execution and long-term growth.
Location
This position is based in Kingsport, Tennessee, with periodic travel for business, customer, university, and external partner engagements.
Benefits
Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.
Compensation & Incentives
• Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.
Health & Wellness
• Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage—paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
• A robust menu of voluntary benefits—including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more—so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
• Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
• 401(k) with a company match—plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Time Away
• Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life’s moments.
Growth & Development
• Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.
At Eastman, we invest in the whole you—so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you’re proud of.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engaged workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
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R&D, Application Developer, Research, Technology