Collaborations & Innovation Manager

The Collaborations & Innovation Manager will lead CRKT's Collaboration Program. This is a highly collaborative, execution-focused role responsible for filling the pipeline of product ideas and concepts working with CRKT's network of outside custom knifemakers and designers, other brands for collabs and merchandising ideas, and other industry leaders. Through proactively nurturing these relationships the Collaborations & Innovation Manager will source, evaluate, and advance product concepts that resonate with CRKT's consumers. This role will also co-lead a cross-functional internal innovation team with the Product Manager, ensuring that consumer insights are translated into compelling new products that maintain CRKT's reputation for quality, creativity, and authenticity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Lead CRKT's new Collaboration Program, which will build upon CRKT's reputation for collaborating with knifemakers and designers to also identify and pursue collaboration opportunities with other brands, partners, and industry leaders.

2. Partner closely with CRKT's roster of custom knifemakers and designers to identify, evaluate, and refine product ideas aligned with consumer needs and market opportunities.

3. Act as the day-to-day liaison between external designers and CRKT's internal teams, ensuring clarity, timely communication, and alignment on product direction.

4. Maintain an active presence as one of CRKT's primary representatives within the knife industry and custom knifemaker community. Identify and develop relationships with knifemakers and designers that CRKT should consider partnering with.

5. Co-lead CRKT's cross-functional innovation team with the Product Manager (including Marketing, Sales, QA and Customer Service) to drive a continuous pipeline of new product concepts from ideation though early-stage validation.

6. Actively monitor and engage with the broader EDC and knife community (online and at shows / events) to identify trends and gather consumer insights and competitive intelligence. Utilize and share this information to help guide product concept selection and prioritization.

7. Collaborate with Sales team to support key customers, ensuring that product concepts and launches meet market needs and drive retail success.

8. Partner with Marketing and Sales on product storytelling and positioning to strengthen customer relationships and ensure commercial impact.

9. Collaborate with Product Management, Engineering, and QA to conduct product testing of prototypes and first off tooling samples to ensure products stand up to real world use and abuse.

10. Work closely with Product Management to develop and communicate the rationale and point of differentiation for new products and innovations, and provide training to internal staff and external field reps. Deliver product presentations as requested.

11. Represent CRKT externally on video, on customer visits when needed or requested by Sales, and at industry and consumer trade shows.

Qualifications :

• At least 3 years of prior experience in consumer products, with a focus on product innovation, new product development, sales, or marketing, preferably with outdoor and / or sporting goods products.
• Experience working with external partners, agencies, or creative collaborators strongly preferred.
• Prior experience supporting sales teams or working closely with key accounts in retail / wholesale channels is a plus.
• Strong foundation in consumer insights, with the ability to translate trends and feedback into actionable product direction.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with proven success collaborating across functions and with external partners.
• Passion for knives, tools, design, and craftsmanship; passion for the EDC space and the outdoors a plus.
• Ability to engage directly with customers and align innovation priorities with customer needs.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and execution-focused, with the ability to manage multiple innovation projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to communicate across all levels and functions of the organization. Ability to distill complex ideas into clear recommendations.
• Must be a self-starter requiring minimal oversight with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, and ability to communicate ideas through interpersonal communication.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to rapidly learn and adapt to new technology.

Travel : Overnight travel to industry and consumer trade shows, designer locations, and customer locations is required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type : Full-time

Compensation : $100,000 - $120,000 per year

Benefits :