Job Purpose

The Head of Innovation & Partnerships will lead the exploration, evaluation, and implementation of cutting-edge digital & AI innovations to enhance convenience retail and mobility experiences. The role requires demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide AI and digital transformation programs with measurable commercial and operational outcomes. The role will spearhead the AI digital and technology roadmap for the organization and expected to lead the Center of Excellence of this domain leading multi functional team to deliver a robust plan and strategy that accelerate the organization. This role manages and nurtures strategic partnerships with key digital players to enhance brand presence, extend reach, and create value-added services for customers. The successful candidate will lead the innovation team, manage key stakeholder relationships, and oversee the implementation of AI-driven solutions and other advanced technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Management:

• Evaluate emerging technologies such as robotics, AI, autonomous operations, AR/VR, and quick commerce.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external innovators to test and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and customer convenience.
• Develop and implement a digital and technology roadmap to enable data monetization.
• Showcase industry-leading innovations at events, conferences, and internal demos.
• Drive thought leadership by staying ahead of digital trends and championing innovation.
• Create complex business cases and unique investment plans with extensive cross functional alignment and buy-in
• Ability to rapidly execute pilots and scale AI/innovation into enterprise-wide deployments that deliver quantifiable ROI in a constrained environment.
• Deliver the AI Digital and technology strategy of the organization and bridge between business and IT function to deliver at pacescaled, value additions and commercial viable innovations

Strategic Partnerships:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key digital partners and vendors to enhance digital capabilities.
• Evaluate and vet new partnerships to onboard best-in-class tools and suppliers.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, IT, product) to ensure alignment and integration of partnership initiatives.
• Act as the primary point of contact for innovation and partnership-related matters with headquarters, partners, and consultancies.

AI Excellence:

• Implement AI-driven solutions to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.
• Utilize AI tools for data analysis, personalization, and automation.
• Drive the adoption of AI technologies across the organization to improve decision-making and innovation processes.
• Establish frameworks for AI & Innovation prioritization, risk management, and compliance to ensure responsible and trusted adoption

Retail Media Network:

• Build and monetize retail media networks to create new revenue streams.
• Develop strategies to leverage data for monetization and enhance advertising capabilities.
• Manage relationships with advertisers and partners to maximize the value of the retail media network.
• Utilize retail media network tools and platforms to manage campaigns and optimize performance.

Content Management and Monetization:

• Implement CMS tools to centrally manage content across digital assets.
• Develop strategies to leverage data for monetization and create new revenue streams.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of innovation and partnership professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Identify training and development needs and implement appropriate programs.

Tools and Technologies:

• AI and Machine Learning Platforms: TensorFlow, PyTorch, IBM Watson, OpenAI, Microsoft
• Innovation Management Platforms: IdeaScale, Brightidea, Spigit.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Sitecore, Adobe Experience Manager.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salesforce .Retail Media Network Tools: Criteo, The Trade Desk, Google Ad Manager, retail mediatools.
• Analytics and Reporting Tools: Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, dataIku
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Innovation Adoption Rate: Measure and improve the adoption rate of new technologies and innovations.
• Partnership Success Rate: Track and enhance the success rate of strategic partnerships.
• AI Implementation Metrics: Monitor the effectiveness and impact of AI-driven solutions.
• Revenue from Data Monetization: Track and grow revenue generated from data monetization initiatives.
• Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) Score: Measure and improve customer satisfaction levels through innovative solutions.
• Retail Media Network Revenue: Track and grow revenue generated from retail media network initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Information Systems, Technology Management, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in innovation management and strategic partnerships, with a proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Proven senior leadership experience in AI, innovation, and digital transformation, with a track record of enterprise-level achievementsStrong understanding of AI tools and technologies.
• Excellent project management and strategic thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in influencing C-suite and senior stakeholders to secure investment and alignment for AI and innovation initiatives
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate innovation metrics and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously in challenging timelines and constraints.