Programme Manager, Innovation Hub

Padang is a consulting company with a difference - we see ourselves as an innovation catalyst. We help fast-track innovation for leading corporations through Open Innovation. We help these organisations articulate the problem or opportunity; match them with startups and scale-ups that we scout for globally; and facilitate the pilots for impactful solutions.

We are preparing to launch an exciting new project - an innovation hub with a major Singaporean organisation. This will be the home of many experiments in retail and F&B-related technologies and business models, and support Singapore SMEs with programmes and events. It is the first of its kind in enterprise innovation here.

This innovation hub will open its doors in October, and we are looking for an experienced manager to join the foundation team and lead the programme function.

What you would do

As the Programme Manager, you will be responsible for the strategy and execution of innovation programmes at the Hive. You will be involved in all programme phases: from engaging business stakeholders and scoping of their business problems; identifying and evaluating the right startups to solve these problems; facilitating the process of co-creation between the two companies and the resulting pilot. This will also involve stakeholder engagement and management of our corporate, technology and ecosystem partners. You will report directly to the CEO.

Your Key Responsibilities

Programme/project design and management
- Design and facilitate a range of innovation programmes and events (physical, virtual, or hybrid), such as startup/tech matchmaking sessions, innovation workshops, tech pilots, etc.
- Manage day-to-day relationships with our partners, project execution and reporting, and partner expectations in terms of delivery
- Conduct research into technologies, startups and trends, and present the research, use cases and possible solutions in a report and/or as a presentation

New business and ecosystem development
- Support the acquisition of new partners by giving presentations and tours, writing proposals, designing programmes, etc.
- Help drive awareness of and maintain a high public profile for the innovation hub
- Cultivate great partnerships with ecosystem stakeholders, and bring your own ideas and energy in growing these relationships
- Help conceive and execute events for our partners to provide opportunities for connections and collaborations

Management
- Share the responsibility of supervising a small team of junior team members
- Perform key tasks related to administration and finance in a timely and professional manner
- Help ensure that the hub is well-kept and fully operational, and that processes are running smoothly to carry through a great experience for all our partners and visitors

Attributes we require of you

Ecosystem
- You understand SMEs. You have appreciation of their challenges in managing and growing their business; how to facilitate the discovery and articulation of their problems (and opportunity areas); and where and how they might work with tech startups to address those problems.
- You like working with technology and startups. You have a strong demonstrable interest in technologies and perhaps some knowledge of the technology startup ecosystem and the roles of its many stakeholders. You should also have an understanding of how startups operate and an ability to assess their potential.

Professional skills and experience
- You should have a proven track record in management consulting, business planning, programme design, project management, and/or proposal writing, which means you are likely to have at least four years of work experience.
- Strong research, analytical and presentation skills are necessary for you to succeed in this role.
- Knowledge of the Retail or F&B sector is advantageous. As are experience with facilitating workshops, and using innovation tools like design thinking.

**Salary**: $4,500.00 - $6,000.00 per year