Innovation Support Analyst

Innovation Support Analyst

Job Description

Role Summary
We are seeking a contract Innovation Support Analyst to provide hands-on coordination for Asset Protection innovation pilots. This role supports project tracking, vendor coordination (including POs), and clear field communications to ensure pilots are executed smoothly. The analyst will also support post-deployment validation activities, including CCTV image audits, in a fast-paced, multi-pilot environment.

Role Overview
The Innovation Support Analyst will provide day to day operational and project support for innovation pilots and solution deployments within Asset Protection. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, and field leadership to ensure pilots are executed effectively, communications are clear, and post deployment validation is completed.

Position Summary
Pilot planning and coordination (day-to-day support)
Coordinate pilot kickoffs, timelines, and task tracking across internal partners (Asset Protection, field leadership, operations, technology) and external vendors.
Confirm pilot readiness by gathering required details (site lists, install/activation dates, contacts, training/communications needs) and keeping documentation current for stakeholders.

Pilot execution support (field + vendor enablement)
Serve as a central point to coordinate field readiness and vendor activities so pilots are executed with minimal disruption to store/field operations.
Track issues/questions coming from the field during pilot execution, route to the right owner (vendor, AP application/support team, internal SMEs), and ensure follow-through to resolution. (Related example of how AP app questions/issues get routed can be seen in the ThinkLP support guidance.)

Stakeholder communications and change coordination
Draft and deliver clear, timely communications to impacted groups (pilot locations, district/field leadership, AP leadership, vendor contacts), including what is changing, when it is changing, and what actions are required.
Maintain consistent status updates and escalation paths so leaders have visibility to progress, risks, and decisions. (This aligns with enterprise expectations around completeness/clarity of implementation and validation planning when changes are being introduced.)

Deployment readiness documentation and handoffs
Support the operational “handoff” from pilot work into broader deployment by ensuring required artifacts are completed and approvals are captured prior to deployment (for example, production turnover documentation and required approver roles). ?
Confirm install/deployment plans are complete (owners, timing, prerequisites, naming/records hygiene) and aligned across delivery teams and business partners.

Post-deployment validation and closeout
Drive post-deployment validation activities to confirm the solution is working as intended in real-world conditions, coordinate validation inputs from business owners/field users, and document outcomes.
Capture lessons learned, issues, and adoption feedback and translate them into improvements for the next wave of deployment (process updates, communication improvements, training needs, or vendor follow-ups). (Validation as a required post-change step is reinforced in enterprise guidance for application owners.)

Key Responsibilities

Project & Operational Support
Support the preparation and delivery of weekly project progress updates.
Manage vendor quotes and support the creation of purchase orders.
Assist with the development of scope outlines for individual vendors.

Vendor & Meeting Coordination
Establish agendas and provide coordination support for vendor progress and status meetings.
Track action items and follow up with vendors to support timely execution of deliverables. (Derived directly from meeting and progress support duties.)

Field & Stakeholder Communications
Support communications to field and store leaders prior to and following pilot go live.
Respond to field support inquiries related to new solutions and pilot deployments.

Post Deployment Validation
Conduct audits of CCTV images following pilot installations to validate image quality and solution performance.

Required Qualifications
Experience supporting project management or operational initiatives in a corporate or field based environment.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Experience coordinating with vendors and cross functional partners.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, particularly for field facing communications.
Proficiency with standard business tools (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting retail operations, Asset Protection, or technology pilots.
Familiarity with purchase order processes and vendor management.
Prior experience supporting pilot deployments or go live activities.

Top Three Required Skills

1. Pilot & Project Coordination (Core Skill)
Hands-on coordination experience required
Managing timelines, task tracking, and weekly status updates
Supporting multiple workstreams simultaneously

2. Vendor Coordination & PO Support
Practical experience required
Coordinating vendor meetings and tracking action items
Supporting vendor quotes, scopes, and purchase order processes

3. Field-Facing Communication & Follow-Through
Strong written and verbal communication required
Drafting clear go-live and post-go-live communications
Handling field inquiries, routing issues, and ensuring resolution

Experience Level
3–5 years of experience in project coordination or operational support roles

Helpful Technologies
Microsoft Office (required): Excel, Teams, Outlook
Familiarity with AI tools (e.g., Copilot) is a plus
Oracle or SQL experience is a strong plus (not required)

Education
Associate’s degree or related equivalent work experience required.

Working Style & Expectations
Detail oriented with a strong follow through mindset.
Able to work independently while taking direction from project and business leaders.
Comfortable operating in a fast paced, pilot driven environment with evolving priorities.

Notes:
Remote eligible
Ability to travel or come onsite as needed (travel is expense-eligible)
Standard hours: 9:00am–5:00pm local time
Flexibility required to occasionally start earlier or attend later meetings

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.