How to write an innovation consultant job description

Writing a job description for an innovation consultant can feel tricky, given the need to accurately balance technical prowess and groundbreaking creative thinking. Your description must also clearly set expectations for fresh and disruptive innovation while aligning with the company’s vision.

However, a well-crafted job description is essential when hiring an innovation consultant. It can significantly boost your chances of attracting passionate, skilled candidates who can drive your company forward.

In this article, we explain the top skills to look for and the best practices to follow to create a compelling innovation consultant job description. Plus, we share a customizable template to get you started.

What is an innovation consultant?

An innovation consultant guides businesses through the complexities of innovation and transformation. They combine deep industry knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to create a culture of innovation and sustained success.

More specifically, these consultants analyze market trends, technological advancements, and organizational dynamics to help companies identify new growth opportunities. 

They can work with tech startups, large corporations, or consulting firms to develop strategies that foster creativity, drive product development, and ensure businesses remain competitive in rapidly evolving markets.

Key skills to look for in an innovation consultant

Innovation consultants need a mix of hard and soft skills to excel in their roles. Let’s take a closer look in the lists below:

Hard skills

• Strategic foresight: Ability to predict and prepare for future industry trends and challenges

• Market research proficiency: Expertise in gathering and analyzing data to understand market needs and opportunities

• Technological savvy: Familiarity with the latest technologies and digital tools that can drive innovation

• Project management: Skills in planning, executing, and managing projects to ensure successful innovation initiatives

Soft skills

• Creative problem-solving: Capacity to think outside the box and devise novel solutions to complex problems

• Persuasive communication: Skill in articulating innovative concepts and persuading stakeholders of their value

• Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting to new ideas, technologies, and changing market dynamics

• Collaborative spirit: Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams to foster innovation and change

How to write an effective innovation consultant job description

Here are four best practices for writing a job description for your innovation consultant position.

1. Emphasize innovation-specific responsibilities

Clearly articulate the responsibilities that set the innovation consultant role apart from other consulting jobs. Detail the types of projects, innovation processes, and required outcomes.

For example: “Lead cross-functional teams in developing groundbreaking products from ideation to market launch, employing Agile methodologies to enhance collaboration and speed to market.”

2. Detail real-world scenarios

In your job description, include scenarios that candidates may face in the role. This will provide candidates with a realistic preview of the challenges ahead and help you assess their problem-solving skills right from the application stage. It also enables prospective candidates to self-assess their suitability for the position before applying.

For example: “At [your company], the Innovation Consultant will design a strategy to revitalize a legacy product line using emerging technologies, considering budget constraints and market competition.”

3. Highlight required expertise in emerging technologies and trends

Your innovation consultant job description should list the required expertise in technologies and trends relevant to your industry – such as blockchain, AI, or sustainable innovation practices. This will demonstrate the level of specialization and forward-thinking expected from the candidate.

For example: “Must possess deep knowledge of artificial intelligence applications in the healthcare sector, with the ability to forecast how emerging technologies can solve complex health challenges.”

4. Specify the importance of soft skills in driving change

The ability to influence, inspire, and drive change across all levels of an organization is fundamental to being an innovation consultant. Make sure to explicitly request these soft skills in your job description, and list scenarios where they can make a difference.

For example: “Must demonstrate exceptional communication skills to champion innovative ideas and persuade stakeholders, fostering a culture that embraces innovation.”

Innovation consultant job description template

Use this template as a starting point to create a detailed job description for your innovation consultant role.

Company introduction

Introduce your company, products, and work culture. Discuss your primary business goals and outline how the innovation consultant can help achieve them. List any notable awards or milestones to stand out as an industry leader.

Benefits of working with [your company]

List the employee benefits that innovation consultants get at your company. Apart from general perks, like health insurance and performance bonuses, include specific benefits that would appeal to these candidates. For example, you might mention access to programs or webinars showcasing the latest developments in your industry.

Innovation consultant job brief

 [Company name]

Job title: Innovation Consultant

Reports to: [For example, Director of Innovation Strategy]

Location: [For example, remote, hybrid, or on-site (include address if applicable)]

[Salary and benefits information]

Responsibilities and duties

• Lead innovation projects from ideation to implementation, ensuring alignment with company objectives and market needs.

• Conduct in-depth market research and trend analysis to identify new opportunities for innovation and growth.

• Collaborate with product development teams to design and prototype new product concepts.

• Facilitate workshops and training sessions to promote a culture of innovation within the company.

• Evaluate the feasibility of new projects and initiatives, providing detailed reports and recommendations to senior management.

• Collaborate with external partners, including startups, research institutions, and other organizations, to foster innovation partnerships.

Skills and qualifications

Required skills and experience

• Minimum of X years of experience in innovation consulting, product development, or a similar role

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in developing and implementing innovation projects, especially in [your industry]

• Solid analytical skills and a deep understanding of market research methodologies

• Rapid prototyping skills to efficiently test and iterate ideas or concepts

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate teams

Preferred skills and experience

• Master’s degree in Innovation Management or a related field

• Experience in applying design thinking and agile methodologies to innovation projects

• Knowledge of the latest trends in technology, such as AI, blockchain, and IoT

• A portfolio showcasing successful innovation projects and initiatives

3 things to avoid when writing a job description for an innovation consultant

Steer clear of these three mistakes while drafting your innovation consultant job description.

1. Lacking clarity on innovation goals

First, you should avoid being vague about innovation goals or areas of focus. 

Instead, specify whether the role focuses on creating new products, improving services or processes, or reshaping the business model. For example, mention if the consultant is expected to spearhead digital transformation initiatives. 

This clarity helps candidates understand the scope and direction of their potential impact.

2. Overlooking cross-industry innovation experience

Secondly, don’t disregard the value of cross-industry innovation experience. After all, candidates with diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and methodologies that can help create groundbreaking solutions, products, services, and more.

So, ensure that your job description encourages individuals with experience in other industries to apply. For example, you might write, “We welcome applicants with a proven track record in fields outside our immediate industry, such as technology, finance, healthcare, or education.”

3. Ignoring rapid prototyping skills

Without rapid prototyping skills, innovation consultants will likely struggle to turn ideas into tangible prototypes quickly and validate concepts promptly. This can delay projects and put your organization at a disadvantage.

To avoid this, make sure your job description highlights the need for proficiency in rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing or software simulations. 

Next steps: Attracting and assessing innovation consultant candidates

After creating your innovation consultant job description, you can post it on job boards, social media, and other relevant sites. Once you’ve collected applications, you can focus on finding the best hire using online talent assessments.

TestGorilla has hundreds of tests to help you assess candidates accurately and fairly. Here are five tests you can use to evaluate applicants for your innovation consultant position:

• The Market research test to evaluate candidates’ skills in initiation, methodologies, and execution of research.

• Our Data storytelling test, which assesses areas such as data analysis, data visualization and presentation, basic business understanding, storytelling, and communication.

• TestGorilla’s Business judgment test, covering skills in strategy, innovation, performance improvement, and decision-making.

• Our Design thinking test to assess candidates’ empathy, user-centered focus, ideation, creativity, prototyping, and iteration.

• The Digital agility test to examine candidates’ skills in strategic technology adoption, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration for innovation.

We recommend using these tests alongside personality and culture assessments to ensure your candidate has the right hard and soft skills to succeed at your company.

To create a custom assessment, you can combine up to five TestGorilla tests. Each test can include personalized questions, too, so you can find candidates suited for your company’s unique innovation and strategy needs.

FAQs

What industries do innovation consultants work in?

Innovation consultants work in various industries – from technology and finance to consumer goods to healthcare. They’re essential in any sector or business that faces rapid changes or seeks to disrupt traditional business models. 

How much does an innovation consultant make?

The salary for an innovation consultant varies based on region, company, and other factors. However, the estimated pay range for an innovation consultant in the US is roughly $83,000-$147,000 per year. There’s also scope for additional pay based on bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.

Use TestGorilla to hire top innovation consultants

Innovation consultants drive change and foster innovation that can lead companies to long-term success. They balance creativity, analytical skills, industry knowledge, and excellent communication to form ideas and get buy-in from stakeholders.

A great job description is the key to finding an expert consultant to lead your organization’s new initiatives or optimize existing processes. 

Once you have one written and shared on job boards, it’ll be time to collect applications and evaluate candidates. TestGorilla has 400+ expert-created tests you can use to assess candidates confidently, quickly, and without bias.

See how TestGorilla can streamline your hiring processes by booking a live demo and signing up for a free account today!