Leads CCM Hockey’s Advanced and Performance Research teams, defining innovation vision and product pipeline strategy across categories. Oversees research programs, university and elite-sport partnerships, consumer insights, emerging technologies, innovation budgets, prototypes, and commercialization handoffs. Partners with engineering, design, and business-unit leaders to ensure concepts are manufacturable and aligned with product development timelines. Builds multidisciplinary team capabilities and an experimentation-driven innovation culture.
CCM Hockey is present worldwide, we have offices in Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Taiwan. Our headquarters are located in Montreal, where we create and develop our equipment. Our mission is to inspire dreams and empower every player to fulfill their passion while enjoying their game. Our team's vision is to be the leading brand on and off the ice, by delivering innovative products and outstanding experience to our athletes and partners everywhere, all while putting our employees and communities at the forefront. We aim to unlock the full potential of every CCM athlete from pond to forum by delivering innovation to maximize performance and ignite in them the self-confidence to chase their dream. We’re looking for passionate players who share our core values and will help us become THE industry leader!
At CCM Hockey, we live our values everyday:
Authenticity: Standing up for who you are, doing what you mean and what you believe in.
Empowerment: Through their unique contributions, each person is different, each person is important, and each person has the opportunity to make a difference.
Teamwork: A team that works together always beats a team of highly skilled individual players.
Respect: Valuing differences and allowing others to express themselves when working together, to achieve common goals, to grow and succeed as a company.
About the Role
The Director, Advanced Performance is a senior leadership role at the heart of CCM’s innovation vision. Reporting to the VP, Product Innovation and Commercialization, you will set the vision and strategy that fuels CCM’s long-term product pipeline — leading both the Advanced team and the Performance Research team to push the boundaries of what hockey equipment can do.
This is a role for a design-forward, scientifically grounded leader who thrives at the intersection of consumer insight, emerging technology, and elite athletic performance. You’ll be CCM’s internal champion for innovation culture, and an external ambassador with the universities, coaches, and partners who help us stay ahead.
What You’ll Own
Vision & Strategy
- Define and drive CCM’s innovation vision and pipeline strategy across all product categories.
- Identify where to invest in new technologies, materials, and design directions — and make the case internally.
- Provide regular updates to senior leadership on innovation priorities and progress.
- Manage the innovation budget with strategic alignment to the broader product creation vision.
Research & Insights
- Lead internal and external research programs to generate deep, actionable insights into player needs and performance.
- Build and maintain a network of university partners, elite skill coaches, and pro team collaborators.
- Translate consumer feedback, market trends, and research findings into concrete product recommendations for Business Unit teams.
- Stay at the forefront of design, technology, and performance science trends globally.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the connective tissue between the Advanced team, Performance Research team, and Business Units — ensuring innovation vision is shared, understood, and actioned across the organization.
- Work in close partnership with the SR Manager, Engineering to bridge design and research innovation with materials and process innovation — ensuring concepts are both visionary and manufacturable.
- Collaborate with engineers, designers, and BU managers to align innovation focus across Skates, Sticks, Protective, Head & Face, Goalie, and Pro.
- Ensure insights and prototypes are delivered according to the product development calendar and handed off effectively to Commercialization teams.
Team Leadership
- Lead and develop the Advanced and Performance Research teams, building a culture of experimentation — failing fast, iterating quickly, and validating concepts with rigor.
- Develop team capabilities to maximize innovation output and maintain CCM’s competitive edge.
What You Bring
- Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Business, or a related field; a Master’s degree or MBA is a strong asset.
- 15+ years of experience in product creation, innovation, or performance research — ideally in a sporting goods or consumer products environment.
- Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
- Deep expertise in industrial design and aesthetic trends, with a strong grasp of manufacturing processes and research protocols.
- Strong financial acumen — comfortable managing a cost-center budget with strategic priorities.
- Excellent communicator, equally effective presenting to the shop floor and the executive suite.
- A genuine passion for hockey and athlete performance is a strong asset.
- Bilingualism (French and English) is an asset; role is based in Ville St-Laurent.
WHY JOIN THE CCM TEAM?
- Competitive salaries, including a performance-based bonus program.
- Full range of group insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, etc.) from Day 1.
- Group retirement pension plan with employer matching (up to 5% of base salary).
- 3 weeks of vacation per year prorated as of your start date.
- Discounted prices on CCM products.
- Free gym at the head office.
- Fun social events throughout the year.
At CCM Hockey, we celebrate the difference for the benefit of our employees, our products and our collaborators. We work to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age or other motives, can give the best of themselves.
Please note that only retained candidates will be contacted. We respectfully ask agencies to not contact us or send unsolicited applications. We thank all applicants for their interest.
*Please note that the benefits may vary depending on the location and the position. All unionized employees are governed by the collective agreement.Similar Jobs
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