Director, Innovation

WORK LOCATION: Dallas, TX - Hybrid with three days a week in the office REPORTS TO: VP of Innovation STATUS: Exempt WHO WE ARE Crunch Fitness is a rapidly expanding fitness brand with more than 600 franchised and corporate-owned gyms across the United States and internationally. Our unfiltered philosophy of No Judgments drives us to create welcoming gyms and communities for everyone. We make serious fitness fun by combining exercise, entertainment, and innovation. As one of the fastest-growing brands in the fitness industry, Crunch offers the opportunity to join a high-growth organization where professional development and career advancement are plentiful. Together, we are redefining the fitness experience. YOUR IMPACT The Director of Innovation is a key leadership role responsible for driving the development and implementation of new platforms and innovations that elevate and enhance the overall member, team member and franchise owner experience. Primary Areas of Focus: Enhancing the member experience through innovative platforms and programs. Main Accountabilities 1. Leading Platform & Program Development: Own and drive execution of strategic portfolio initiatives from concept through full-scale rollout, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and measurable impact. Lead the end-to-end development, launch, and scaling of new platforms and programs that enhance the member experience and advance strategic priorities. Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation Targets Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, define, and establish KPIs that align with the company's strategic objectives. Determine ROI calculation targets to measure the success and effectiveness of innovation initiatives focused on enhancing the member experience 2. Deep Understanding of Customer Trends & Marketplace Partners: Develop deep understanding of our members’ needs and know what members want before they do, in order to stay ahead of trends. Scour marketplace to identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships with vendor partners, industry leaders, and technology providers to leverage synergies and drive innovation into the Crunch experience. Work closely with Procurement and Legal teams to conduct thorough vetting and selection processes for potential partners, ensuring alignment with Crunch Fitness's values and objectives. 3. Strategy: Drive the development and execution of holistic strategies aimed at elevating the Physical, Digital, and Foundational experiences for both members and employees. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Marketing, Operations, Technology, and Design, to ensure seamless integration and alignment of innovative initiatives across various touchpoints. 4. Franchise Owner Relationships: The Director of Innovation builds meaningful relationships with Franchise Owners and Franchise Executives. This means involvoing Franchise Owners and its teams from the outset of projects and continuing to test, learn and iterate upon initial rollout. Additional Responsibilities: Prioritize efforts effectively in order to increase member demand as well as member retention. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in the member experience. Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning within the platform innovation team. Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of implemented platforms and programs, making data-driven decisions and adjustments as necessary. Regularly communicate and present progress updates, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders. What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Engineering degree and/or MBA preferred. 5+ years of relevant experience in product management, innovation, or platform development. Proven experience building, launching, and sustaining technology products that deliver long-term value. Demonstrated ability to develop and scale technology platforms, including experience with AI-driven solutions (ideally within sales or membership-based environments). Strong understanding of product lifecycles, with the ability to think critically, define product purpose, and translate business needs into effective product strategies. Experience evaluating product performance and continuously optimizing features to ensure ongoing success and adoption. Experience rolling out products, platforms, or initiatives across franchise or multi-location business models is a strong plus. Proven track record of driving innovation and successfully implementing platforms and programs in a consumer-facing industry, preferably in fitness, wellness, or digital. Demonstrated experience launching or implementing new systems, products, or processes at scale. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategies. Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of customer experience and industry trends. Innovative mindset with the ability to contribute new ideas; patents or prior inventions are not required. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be willing to travel up to 25%. BENEFITS Generous, flexible paid time off 401(k) plan with discretionary matching opportunities. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits – because your health matters Health savings and flexible spending accounts Basic life and AD&D insurance, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage Employee Assistance Plan, which offers confidential counseling and support services whenever you need it Education assistance program Commuter benefits Free Crunch Gym Membership across all our clubs, nationwide Milestone Anniversary Recognition program Crunch believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against nor favor any applicant because of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, layoff, and termination. In addition, Crunch will make reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Flexible work from home options available. LEAD. INSPIRE. SUCCEED. Crunch is a No Judgment Gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment. Looking to combine work, fitness and fun? Working at Crunch is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to inspire others to reach their fitness goals. Our ‘No Judgments’ philosophy attracts a diverse and welcoming group of professionals and makes Crunch an amazing company to work for.