Regional Innovation Lead

Req ID 73502 | SDC Chennai, India, ZF Commercial Vehicle Control Systems India Limited

Your tasks as Innovation Manager:

• Anticipate, gather, consolidate and evaluate technology trends in the automotive, broader (commercial) transportation & new technology fields (ACE & beyond). 
• Research key areas of ACE for scouting and investment, working closely with contributors in PI, Product Lines, Market & Sales & Strategy Excellence to ensure strategic alignment. Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders to understand, define and maintain technology & market needs & interests of commercial vehicle solutions.
• Develop a regional & global scouting network and ecosystem, cultivate external network of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, accelerator programs (e.g. Plug & Play) and other strategic partners
• Identify opportunities for new strategic investments. Work with business and technical leadership to set strategic priorities and scope.
• Coordinate Prove of Concept (PoC) activities for collaboration between Product Lines and start-ups.
• Set-up and manage the digital idea platform that enables ideation from internal workforce, both for open and specific idea campaigns
• Implement the open innovation methods and tools, facilitate the ideation and ignition workshops, foster the development of innovation pipeline.
• Coordinate with the team to research, identify, analyze, and execute new business initiatives

Your profile as Innovation Manager:

• Master’s degree or above majored in engineering (mechanical, automotive, electronic or similar), or in business strategy development (with a strong affinity for technologies and innovation)
• 11+ years of experience in technology scouting, strategy and/or entrepreneurial projects (startup, innovation coach). Understanding of the technology venture capital ecosystem.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies (Design of Experiments & Proactive Problem-Solving Methodology) would be advantageous.
• Outstanding analytical skills, detail-oriented, proactive and self-motivated with a natural curiosity to learn technologies, business models and industry trends, comfortable with broad topics and early stage ideas.
• Proven team player with international mindset, highly self-motivated and self-managed individual
• Fluent English skills, both written and verbal are compulsory.
• Good knowledge and professional experience in at least two of following technical areas: AI/ML, digital service, connectivity or e-mobility
• Effective communicator, ability to implement dynamic, participant center communication
• Experience in working within a Global matrix environment

Be part of our ZF team as Regional Innovation Lead and apply now!

Contact

Sowmya Nagarathinam