Head of Business Innovation and Product Strategy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Business Innovation and Product Strategy

Company: Active Adventures

Location: Queenstown, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Business Innovation & Strategy Operations

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive business innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance organizational efficiency and performance across technology, commercial strategy, and supplier partnerships.

• Provide strategic oversight for the company's technology roadmap, business systems, and overall ICT function, ensuring alignment with business objectives and future growth.

• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology, automation, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive scalability and elevate the guest experience.

• Establish and govern frameworks for effective decision-making, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Drive strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives that directly support organizational priorities and long-term sustainable growth across multiple global brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a senior leadership level, reporting directly to the CEO, indicating significant strategic influence and responsibility for driving transformative change within Active Adventures. The emphasis on "business innovation," "technology roadmap," and "AI-enabled ways of working" suggests a strong focus on operational excellence and digital transformation within the travel and tourism sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and execution of business innovation strategies, focusing on process optimization, efficiency gains, and overall organizational performance enhancement.

• Direct the strategic planning and implementation of the company's technology roadmap, ensuring robust business systems and a high-functioning ICT infrastructure that supports scalability and data-driven decision-making.

• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies, automation, advanced data analytics, and AI solutions to streamline operations, improve business performance, and enrich the customer journey.

• Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive governance frameworks, operational procedures, and decision-making protocols to ensure accountability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Lead and manage high-impact strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives, ensuring successful delivery against organizational priorities and long-term growth objectives.

• Oversee portfolio management across Active Adventures, Austin Adventures, and Discovery Bicycle Tours, ensuring product offerings align with customer demand, market trends, and overarching business goals.

• Drive commercial performance through strategic portfolio management, robust supplier partnership development, effective pricing governance, and leveraging data insights for informed decision-making.

• Contribute significantly as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, actively influencing organizational priorities, strategic direction, and overall business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and operational execution. The emphasis on "portfolio management across brands" and "pricing governance" points to a significant commercial and product strategy component, directly impacting revenue and market positioning. The role requires a leader who can balance innovation with tangible business results.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Technology Management, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected. A Master's degree (MBA or relevant specialization) is highly advantageous for strategic leadership roles. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with a strong emphasis on business innovation, product strategy, technology leadership, and commercial operations.

• Proven track record of successfully leading transformation, business improvement, or operational functions within complex organizations.

• Demonstrated experience in driving organizational performance through innovation, technology adoption, process improvement, and strategic change initiatives. Required Skills:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to define and execute long-term vision, influence organizational direction, and lead diverse teams towards shared goals.

• Business Innovation & Process Improvement: Expertise in identifying, developing, and implementing innovative solutions and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Technology Strategy & Roadmapping: Proficiency in developing and managing technology roadmaps, overseeing business systems, and leveraging ICT for competitive advantage.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial operations, including portfolio management, pricing strategies, supplier partnerships, and data-informed decision-making for revenue growth.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to utilize data analytics, insights, and AI to inform strategic decisions, measure performance, and optimize business outcomes.

• Change Management: Proven ability to lead and manage organizational change, engage stakeholders effectively, and drive adoption of new processes and technologies.

• Team Leadership & Development: Experience in building, coaching, and empowering high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with internal teams, leadership, and external partners.

Preferred Skills:

• Tourism/Travel/Hospitality Industry Experience: Deep understanding of the unique dynamics, customer expectations, and operational challenges within the travel and tourism sector.

• Digital Transformation Expertise: Experience leading digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of AI and automation into core business functions.

• Product Portfolio Management: Advanced skills in analyzing, optimizing, and strategically developing product portfolios to meet market demands and business objectives.

• AI Strategy & Implementation: Knowledge of AI applications in business, including strategy development and implementation for operational and customer experience improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Head of" title and reporting to the CEO, the qualifications will likely lean towards extensive strategic experience and a proven ability to drive significant organizational change. The emphasis on "tourism, travel, hospitality" is crucial, suggesting industry-specific knowledge will be highly valued. The inclusion of AI and automation points to a need for forward-thinking technological understanding.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in Business Transformation: Demonstrate successful projects where you led significant business innovation, process improvement, or digital transformation initiatives, showcasing tangible results and impact.

• Strategic Planning Documents: Examples of strategic plans developed, technology roadmaps created, or portfolio management frameworks implemented, highlighting your strategic thinking and planning capabilities.

• Data Analytics & Performance Dashboards: Showcase examples of how you've used data to inform strategic decisions, drive performance improvements, and present key business insights through dashboards or reports.

• Change Management Frameworks: Provide examples of how you've managed organizational change, including stakeholder engagement plans, communication strategies, and adoption metrics.

• Supplier Partnership Models: If applicable, illustrate your approach to developing and managing strategic supplier partnerships that drive commercial benefits and operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing or redesigning complex business workflows to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance customer experience.

• System Implementation & Integration: Examples of leading the implementation or integration of new business systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, analytics platforms) and the associated change management processes.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Demonstrations of establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing reporting mechanisms, and analyzing performance data to drive continuous improvement.

• Governance & Policy Development: Examples of developing and implementing governance structures, policies, and procedures to ensure operational consistency, compliance, and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of role focused on innovation and strategy, a portfolio demonstrating strategic impact, successful transformation projects, and data-driven decision-making is critical. The emphasis should be on quantifiable results and the ability to articulate complex strategies and their execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the seniority of the role (Head of, reporting to CEO), location (Queenstown, New Zealand), and the extensive experience required (10+ years, strategic leadership), a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between NZ$180,000 - NZ$250,000. This range reflects the significant responsibility, strategic impact, and leadership expected. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care for employees and potentially dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a KiwiSaver scheme or equivalent retirement savings plan.

• Performance-Based Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, reflecting the role's impact on business outcomes.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, training, conference attendance, and leadership development programs.

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and public holiday entitlements.

• Travel Discounts: Employee discounts on Active Adventures, Austin Adventures, and Discovery Bicycle Tours products.

• Relocation Assistance: Potential support for candidates relocating to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. However, given the senior leadership nature of this role, flexibility and a willingness to work beyond standard hours as needed to meet business demands and strategic objectives will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of senior leadership roles in New Zealand's tourism and technology sectors, adjusted for the specific location of Queenstown and the comprehensive responsibilities outlined. Benefits are standard for senior roles in New Zealand, with added perks specific to the travel industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Experiential Travel. Active Adventures operates in a dynamic global market characterized by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and authentic experiences. The company's focus on "life-changing travel experiences" and "connecting people more deeply with incredible places" underscores a passion-driven culture.

Company Size: The company operates multiple brands (Active Adventures, Austin Adventures, Discovery Bicycle Tours), suggesting a medium to large enterprise size, likely with several hundred employees globally. This size allows for significant operational complexity and the need for robust systems and strategies.

Founded: Over 30 years ago. This long history indicates a stable, established business with deep industry knowledge and a strong reputation, now poised for future growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Head of Business Innovation and Product Strategy reports directly to the CEO, signifying a critical role within the executive leadership team.

• Direct Reports: This role will lead a diverse team, likely encompassing functions such as business innovation, technology/ICT, commercial strategy, and potentially supplier partnerships. Team size will depend on the current organizational structure but is expected to be substantial given the breadth of responsibilities.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role will require extensive collaboration with all departments, including Marketing, Sales, Operations (trip delivery), Finance, and Customer Service, to drive integrated strategies and ensure seamless execution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Strategy: Emphasis on leveraging data analytics, AI, and insights to inform decision-making, measure performance, and optimize business strategies.

• Continuous Improvement: A core focus on enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and organizational performance through ongoing process refinement and innovation.

• Agile & Adaptive: The company is looking to strengthen how it works and leverages technology, suggesting a move towards more agile methodologies and an adaptive approach to change in a dynamic market.

• Customer-Centric: A deep commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, which will inform all innovation and strategy decisions.

Company Website: https://activeadventures.bamboohr.com/careers (Note: This is the careers portal; the primary company website is likely activeadventures.com)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity combined with its forward-looking focus on technology, AI, and innovation suggests a culture that values both established expertise and progressive thinking. The emphasis on "life-changing experiences" points to a purpose-driven organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior executive position, a "Head of" function, placing it at the pinnacle of strategic operations and business development within the company. It is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping the future direction and operational efficiency of the entire organization.

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual is a key member of the senior leadership team, with significant influence on company-wide strategy and operational decision-making. They will lead a team of functional experts and collaborate closely with other department heads.

Operations Impact: The Head of Business Innovation and Product Strategy will have a profound and direct impact on the company's revenue growth, operational scalability, market competitiveness, and overall profitability. Their work in optimizing systems, leveraging technology, and refining product strategy will be fundamental to achieving sustainable growth and enhancing guest satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand the scope of responsibilities within the leadership team, potentially overseeing additional strategic functions or leading major company-wide transformation programs.

• Executive Advancement: Opportunity to progress to more senior executive roles within Active Adventures or its parent organization, depending on growth and performance.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping innovation and strategy within the broader adventure travel industry through thought leadership and successful implementation of cutting-edge practices.

• Skill Specialization & Development: Deepen expertise in areas like AI strategy, digital transformation, advanced analytics, and international market expansion through hands-on leadership and continuous learning.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Develop and mentor a high-performing team, fostering future leaders within the organization and the operations/innovation field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career milestone, offering broad strategic oversight and the chance to leave a lasting impact. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's success and the individual's ability to drive transformative change.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Queenstown, New Zealand, a hub for adventure tourism. The work environment is expected to be a professional office setting, likely modern and conducive to collaboration. Given the company's focus on innovation and technology, the workspace may incorporate collaborative zones, meeting rooms equipped with advanced AV technology, and comfortable work areas.

Office Location(s): Queenstown, New Zealand. This location offers a unique lifestyle appeal, blending a professional career with access to outdoor adventure and stunning natural landscapes. Accessibility will depend on the specific office location within Queenstown, but public transport and parking are generally available.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, so the workspace will likely facilitate interaction between teams and departments. Expect an open or semi-open office layout with ample meeting spaces.

• Technology-Rich: As the Head of Business Innovation and Technology, the individual will work within an environment that supports and utilizes advanced technology, including robust IT infrastructure, communication tools, and potentially access to cutting-edge software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with direct reports, peers on the leadership team, and other cross-functional colleagues will be integral to the role's success.

Work Schedule: While the standard expectation is 40 hours per week, senior leadership roles often require flexibility. The nature of driving innovation and strategic projects may necessitate working outside traditional hours to meet deadlines, attend global meetings, or respond to urgent business needs. A results-oriented work environment where output is prioritized over strict adherence to hours is likely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Queenstown is a highly desirable location, offering a unique lifestyle. The work environment will likely reflect the company's brand – professional, collaborative, and infused with a passion for adventure and innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements and senior leadership experience.

• First Round Interview: Likely with HR or a senior leader to discuss your background, leadership philosophy, and initial understanding of the role and company. Emphasis on strategic thinking and industry experience.

• Second Round Interview (Case Study/Presentation): Candidates will likely be given a business challenge or strategic scenario related to innovation, product strategy, or technology adoption. You will be expected to develop and present a proposed solution, demonstrating your analytical skills, strategic approach, and communication abilities. This is where your portfolio can be powerfully leveraged.

• Final Round Interview: With the CEO and potentially other members of the Executive Leadership Team. This interview will focus on strategic vision, cultural fit, leadership style, and long-term impact. Expect in-depth discussions about your approach to driving change and innovation.

• Reference Checks: Standard verification of employment history and professional performance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that directly align with the responsibilities of this role (business innovation, product strategy, technology leadership, commercial growth).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the actions you took, and most importantly, the quantifiable results (e.g., % increase in efficiency, $ revenue growth, % cost reduction, improved customer satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Process: Detail the methodologies you employed (e.g., Agile, Lean, specific innovation frameworks), the tools you used, and how you managed stakeholders through the process.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio pieces with clear headings, executive summaries, and visual aids (charts, graphs) where appropriate. Be prepared to walk through each case study concisely and effectively.

• Tailor to Active Adventures: If possible, frame your examples in a way that demonstrates an understanding of the travel and tourism industry and how your past successes would translate to Active Adventures' context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Active Adventures, its brands, competitors, and the current state of the adventure travel market. Identify potential challenges and opportunities.

• Strategic Frameworks: Be prepared to discuss strategic frameworks (e.g., Porter's Five Forces, SWOT analysis) and how you would apply them to Active Adventures' innovation and product strategy.

• Technology & AI: Familiarize yourself with current trends in technology, automation, and AI within the travel sector and how they can be leveraged for business advantage.

• Data Storytelling: Practice articulating how you use data to drive decisions and communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare for questions about your leadership style, how you manage teams through change, and how you foster a culture of innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio and a clear understanding of the company's strategic needs are crucial for success. The case study component is a key opportunity to demonstrate practical application of skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with leading CRM platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 for managing customer data, sales pipelines, and marketing automation.

• ERP Systems: Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) for financial management, supply chain, and operational planning.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Asana, Monday.com, Jira, or Trello for managing strategic projects, workflows, and team tasks.

• Business Intelligence & Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or QlikView for data analysis, visualization, and reporting.

• Collaboration Suites: Mastery of tools like Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) for seamless team collaboration and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Warehousing & ETL Tools: Understanding of data warehousing concepts and potential experience with ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools for data integration.

• Statistical Software: Familiarity with statistical packages (e.g., R, Python libraries like Pandas/NumPy) for advanced data analysis and modeling, especially for AI initiatives.

• Custom Reporting Tools: Ability to work with or develop custom reporting solutions to track KPIs and provide actionable insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Experience with platforms like Marketo, Pardot, or HubSpot for automating marketing campaigns and lead nurturing.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that facilitate business process automation (BPA) or Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for efficiency gains.

• Integration Platforms: Knowledge of iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) solutions like Zapier, MuleSoft, or Dell Boomi for connecting disparate systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: As the Head of Business Innovation and Technology, proficiency in a broad range of enterprise-level tools is expected. The emphasis on data, AI, and automation suggests a need for hands-on experience or a strong strategic understanding of these technologies and their application in driving business outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Care Deeply: A commitment to genuine care for customers, team members, and the environment, reflecting the company's purpose-driven nature. This translates to ethical decision-making and prioritizing long-term sustainability.

• Tell It Like It Is: Encourages open, honest, and direct communication. This value fosters transparency, constructive feedback, and efficient problem-solving within the operations team.

• Strive to Exceed Expectations: A drive for excellence and a commitment to going above and beyond in delivering exceptional guest experiences and business results. This fuels innovation and continuous improvement.

• Be All In: A dedication to full engagement, passion, and commitment to the company's mission and goals. This means a proactive approach to challenges and a strong sense of ownership.

• Be the Expert: Emphasizes deep knowledge and skill development within functional areas, encouraging individuals to become subject matter experts and thought leaders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on breaking down silos and fostering seamless collaboration between departments to achieve unified business objectives. The Head of role will be a key facilitator of this.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that values constructive feedback and uses it as a tool for continuous learning and process refinement. Regular reviews and open dialogue are expected.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings across teams and brands to foster collective growth and innovation.

• Innovation Experimentation: A willingness to experiment with new ideas, technologies, and processes in a controlled manner, learning from both successes and failures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are deeply ingrained in its culture and directly influence how operational teams function and collaborate. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values and professional approach align with these core tenets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Implementing new technologies and innovative processes while ensuring the continued smooth operation of existing, critical business functions and maintaining high guest satisfaction.

• Driving Change Across Global Brands: Aligning diverse teams and operations across multiple brands (Active Adventures, Austin Adventures, Discovery Bicycle Tours) with varying market dynamics and potentially different operational infrastructures.

• Integrating AI & Automation Effectively: Strategically identifying and implementing AI and automation solutions that provide tangible ROI and enhance, rather than detract from, the human element of customer experience.

• Navigating a Dynamic Travel Market: Adapting strategies and operations to rapidly changing consumer preferences, geopolitical events, and economic conditions that impact the global travel industry.

• Leveraging Data Across Silos: Establishing robust data governance and integration strategies to create a unified view of customer and operational data across all brands and systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI & Digital Strategy: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and implementation of AI, machine learning, and advanced digital transformation strategies within the travel sector.

• Global Business Leadership: Experience managing operations and strategy for a multi-brand, international organization, providing exposure to diverse market dynamics and regulatory environments.

• Executive Development Programs: Access to leadership training, executive coaching, and strategic planning workshops to further hone leadership capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Networks: Participation in leading travel, technology, and innovation conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and build professional networks.

• Mentorship from CEO & Board: Direct mentorship and guidance from the CEO and potentially the board, offering invaluable insights into executive-level decision-making and strategic positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges inherent to leading innovation in a global, dynamic industry. Successfully navigating these will provide immense growth and development opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a 3-year technology roadmap for Active Adventures, considering our diverse brands and the evolving AI landscape?" (Prepare to discuss frameworks, stakeholder involvement, prioritization criteria).

• "Describe a time you successfully led a significant business innovation initiative that resulted in measurable efficiency gains or revenue growth. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on quantifiable results and your strategic approach).

• "Given the need to balance customer experience with business performance, how would you approach pricing strategy and portfolio management across our different brands?" (Demonstrate commercial acumen and understanding of market dynamics). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Active Adventures, what do you see as our biggest opportunities for innovation in the next 3-5 years, and how would you prioritize them?" (Showcase your research and strategic foresight).

• "How would you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within a diverse, global team, aligning with our values of 'Care Deeply' and 'Tell It Like It Is'?" (Connect your leadership style to company values).

• "How do you measure the success and impact of business innovation and technology investments? What KPIs would you focus on?" (Highlight your data-driven approach and understanding of ROI). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary First: Begin each case study with a concise overview of the challenge, your solution, and the key business impact.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, impactful visuals (charts, graphs, process flows) to illustrate your points and make complex information digestible.

• Focus on "Why" and "How": Explain not just what you did, but why you made those decisions and how you executed them, emphasizing your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Everything Possible: For each project, clearly state the measurable results achieved, linking them directly to business objectives.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific details of your projects, including challenges encountered, trade-offs made, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a data-driven approach, and a clear understanding of how to drive innovation and growth within a global travel company. Leveraging your portfolio effectively during case study presentations will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Active Adventures careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter: Ensure your resume highlights senior leadership experience, strategic impact, and achievements in business innovation, technology, and commercial strategy. A compelling cover letter should articulate your understanding of Active Adventures' mission and how your skills directly address the role's challenges and opportunities.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 high-impact case studies showcasing your ability to drive business innovation, implement technology strategies, and achieve measurable commercial results. Quantify achievements and be ready to present them clearly.

• Research Active Adventures: Thoroughly understand the company's brands, mission, values, market position, and strategic priorities. Identify potential areas for innovation and growth that resonate with your experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for strategic, behavioral, and situational interview questions, especially those related to leadership, change management, technology adoption, and data-driven decision-making. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---