Job Description
Open Innovation Manager - North America University Partnerships
Requisition ID: 5108
Job Location: Oak Brook - Illinois - United States
Category for Job Posting: Engineering and Technical
Job Type for Job Posting: Full Time
Working Mode for Job Posting: Hybrid
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About Us
Innovation. Sustainability. Productivity. This is how we are Breaking New Ground in our mission to sustainably advance the noble work of farmers and builders everywhere. With a growing global population and increased demands on resources, our products are instrumental to feeding and sheltering the world.
From developing products that run on alternative power to productivity-enhancing precision tech, we are delivering solutions that benefit people – and they are possible thanks to people like you. If the opportunity to build your skills as part of a collaborative, global team excites you, you’re in the right place.
Grow a Career. Build a Future!
Be part of this company at the forefront of agriculture and construction, that passionately innovates to drive customer efficiency and success. And we know innovation can’t happen without collaboration. So, everything we do at CNH Industrial is about reaching new heights as one team, always delivering for the good of our customers.
Job Purpose
The North America University Partnerships Open Innovation Manage r is responsible for developing, coordinating, and expanding CNH’s strategic relationships with universities, research institutes, and academic innovation ecosystems across North America.
This role serves as the primary interface between CNH and leading academic institutions, transforming external research, talent, and innovation opportunities into measurable business value. The position focuses on building long-term strategic partnerships that support technology development, talent attraction, workforce upskilling, innovation co-development, and access to research funding.
The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Product Development, Advanced Technology, Manufacturing, Digital, HR, Talent Acquisition, and Corporate Strategy teams to align university collaborations with CNH’s strategic priorities and innovation roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
University Strategy & Relationship Management
Develop and execute CNH's North America University Partnership Strategy aligned with business and technology priorities.
Identify, evaluate, and manage strategic university partnerships across the United States and Canada.
Build long-term executive and working-level relationships with university leadership, faculty members, research centers, and innovation offices.
Continuously assess the value, impact, and strategic fit of existing academic partnerships.
Innovation & Research Collaboration
Facilitate innovation co-development projects between CNH business units and academic partners.
Connect CNH technical needs with relevant university expertise, laboratories, research programs, and emerging technologies.
Support the identification and execution of Proofs of Concept (PoCs), pilot projects, student projects, and collaborative research initiatives.
Monitor technology trends and research developments emerging from the academic ecosystem.
Talent Development & Talent Attraction
Collaborate with HR and Talent Acquisition teams to strengthen CNH’s talent pipeline through university engagement.
Coordinate internship programs, capstone projects, student competitions, fellowships, PhD collaborations, and talent-development initiatives.
Position CNH as a preferred innovation and employment partner within target universities.
Ecosystem Development & External Engagement
Represent CNH at university events, research symposiums, innovation conferences, and industry-academia forums.
Expand CNH’s visibility within North America's innovation ecosystem.
Create opportunities for collaboration between universities, startups, technology partners, and internal CNH teams.
Governance, KPI & Reporting
Develop and maintain metrics to measure partnership effectiveness, business impact, talent outcomes, innovation results, and return on investment.
Maintain a centralized database of university engagements, activities, budgets, and outcomes.
Communicate successes, best practices, and partnership achievements to internal stakeholders and leadership.
Experience Required
Bachelor's Degree in:
Engineering
Business Administration
Agronomy
Computer Science
Technology Management
5+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
Open Innovation
University Relations
Research Partnerships
Product Development
Technology Strategy
Innovation Management
Corporate R&D
Ecosystem Development
Preferred Qualifications
Technical Skills
Project Management
Advanced or fluent English proficiency
Stakeholder Management
Innovation and Technology Scouting
Research Partnership Management
Workshop Facilitation
Strategic Planning and KPI Management
Budget Management
Knowledge of North American university ecosystems and research programs
Interpersonal Skills
Curiosity and continuous learning mindset
Emotional intelligence
Strong communication and presentation skills
Leadership and influence without direct authority
Creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
Flexibility and adaptability
Problem-solving ability
Results-oriented mindset
Relationship-building and networking skills
Ability to operate effectively in cross-functional and multicultural environments
Pay Transparency
The annual salary for this role is $74,625 - $132,825 plus any applicable bonus (Actual salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as skill, experience and qualification for the role.)
For roles open across multiple locations, the salary range indicated refers to the primary location. If a different location is considered, the applicable salary range will be communicated to candidates prior to the first interview.
What We Offer
We offer dynamic career opportunities across an international landscape. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to delivering value for all our employees and fostering a culture of respect.
At CNH, we understand that the best solutions come from the diverse experiences and skills of our people. Here, you will be empowered to grow your career, to follow your passion, and help build a better future. To support our employees, we offer regional comprehensive benefits, including:
Flexible work arrangements
Savings & Retirement benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Parental leave
Adoption assistance
Fertility & Family building support
Employee Assistance Programs
Charitable contribution matching and Volunteer Time Off
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Click here to learn more about our benefits offerings! (US only)
US applicants: CNH Industrial is an equal opportunity employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Applicants can learn more about their rights by viewing the federal "Know Your Rights" poster here . CNH Industrial participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. You can view additional information here .
Canada applicants: CNH Industrial is an equal opportunity employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, place of origin, disability, marital status, family status, age, or any other ground prohibited by applicable provincial human rights legislation.
If you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact us at
[email protected] .
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