Assistant Vice President, Transformation Office

Mandai Wildlife Group is dedicated to caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. Conservation education is intrinsic in all interactions with the Group, to inspire action for a healthier world.

Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renown wildlife parks which connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.

Mandai Wildlife Group advocates for biodiversity, contributes leading wildlife research, develops innovative solutions to promote living sustainably, and collaborates with conservation partners in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

The Group provides funding and in-kind support to Mandai Nature for conservation work across Southeast Asia.

Mandai X is the growth accelerator and venture building arm of Mandai Wildlife Group that sparks, catalyses and accelerates innovative ventures in completely new domains that drive growth and impact at scale. 

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for the Emerging Tech Innovation and Development Centre is a strategic leadership role responsible for establishing and nurturing an environment of innovation, experimentation, and ideation. Reporting to the VP of the Transformation Office, the AVP will collaborate closely with the business units to develop and implement innovation strategies aligned with business goals and industry trends. They will drive the evaluation and design of streamlined innovation processes encompassing ideation, concept validation, prototyping, testing, and scaling with a strong emphasis on Open and Collaborative Innovation, and Low-code and Agile development methodologies.

Job Responsibilities

·Innovation COE Development: Establish the Innovation Center of Excellence, acting as a catalyst for ideation, experimentation, and proof-of-concept development. Foster an environment that encourages innovative thinking, collaboration, and experimentation.

·Innovation Strategy: Collaborate closely with the leadership team to develop and implement innovation strategies aligned with business goals and industry trends. Identify emerging and disruptive technologies and advise on potential areas for innovation.

·Innovation Process Development: Evaluate existing innovation processes and design a streamlined innovation framework. This framework will cover ideation, concept validation, prototyping, testing, and scaling. Implement and manage the Innovation Process, with a strong focus on Low-code and Agile methodologies.

·Innovation Project Office Leadership: Lead the Innovation Project Office in developing the innovation project standards and owns the innovation processes, and procedures. Work with the business analysis team to drive innovation projects and oversees innovation projects aimed at identifying new opportunities, enhancing processes, and driving transformative changes across the organisation. Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution from conception to implementation.

·Innovation Proof-of-Concept and Pilots: Prioritise innovation POC and Pilot projects. Plan and execute innovation proof-of-concept initiatives and pilot projects, with a strong emphasis on Agile development practices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation and scaling of approved projects.

·Open Innovation Initiatives: Explore opportunities for collaboration with external partners, startups, and academia to leverage open innovation practices. Foster an environment that encourages external input and creative problem-solving to address challenges and seize new possibilities.

·Innovation Workshops: Conduct workshops on technology trends and innovation for management and employees. Collaborate with Guest Engagement Team (GEM) to equip the workforce with the knowledge and tools needed to generate innovative ideas and actively contribute to the organisation’s innovation journey.

·Special Interest Groups and Code Team: Lead the Agile development team in rigorous testing and experimentation with emerging technologies and codes. Guide the growth of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) as a supplementary initiative, empowering staff in self-solutions development and skills enhancement. Collaborate with SIG members to explore Low-code Proof-of-Concept (POC) projects, contributing valuable insights to drive innovation.

·Team Management: Build, lead, and mentor a team of professionals responsible for executing innovation projects. Provide guidance, set performance objectives, conduct regular evaluations, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development.

·Strategic Alignment: Align innovation initiatives with the organisation's strategic goals and objectives. Collaborate with the VP of the Transformation Office to develop long-term innovation roadmaps that support business growth and competitiveness.

·Performance Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics to measure the effectiveness and impact of innovation projects. Regularly review and report on project progress to relevant stakeholders.

·Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across different business units and functions. Collaborate with internal teams, executives, and external partners to gain support and buy-in for innovation projects.

Job Requirements

·Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. An advanced degree (Master's or MBA) is preferred but not mandatory.

·At least 8 years of experience in innovation management and project leadership. Proven track record of successfully leading innovation projects in a corporate environment with expertise in Low-code and Agile methodologies, including team management.

·Strong expertise in design thinking methodologies and experience in applying them to drive innovative solutions and user-centric designs.

·Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and drive transformative change within an organisation.

·Possess a strategic mindset with the ability to align innovation initiatives with the organisation's long-term goals and market trends.

·Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, executives, and external partners.

·Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify and address business challenges and opportunities.

·Thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, adapting to changing priorities and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills

·Certification in Innovation Management or related field.

·Proficiency in Design Tinking or Lean methodologies.

·Previous experience in partnership development and open innovation.

·Proficiency in cloud platforms (Azure and AWS), expertise in Microsoft Power Platform, and proficiency in relevant coding languages.

This role offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation, shape the organisation's future, and contribute significantly to its growth and success. The AVP of Emerging Technologies Innovation and Development Centre will play a pivotal role in transforming ideas into tangible outcomes that propel the organisation forward in an ever-evolving business landscape.