Digital Innovation Manager

JOB PURPOSE

The Digital Innovation Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and delivering innovative digital solutions that support ADNOC Distribution’s digital transformation agenda. The role drives high‑impact initiatives by leveraging emerging technologies and strategic partnerships to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and business agility. It acts as a key link between business units, technology teams, and external partners to ensure innovations are scalable, secure, and value‑driven.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Digital Innovation Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute digital innovation initiatives aligned with corporate transformation objectives and business priorities.

• Identify and assess emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud platforms for potential business application.

• Translate strategic innovation themes into structured programs, pilots, and proof of concept (PoC) initiatives.

• Ensure innovation initiatives are aligned with customer experience goals, operational needs, and investment frameworks.

• Continuously monitor market trends and competitive developments to inform innovation direction.

Digital Solution Development & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of digital innovation initiatives from concept through pilot and implementation.

• Collaborate with IT, digital, and business teams to design solutions that are technically robust and operationally feasible.

• Ensure delivered solutions improve customer experience, process efficiency, and business performance.

• Oversee pilot execution, performance measurement, and readiness for enterprise-wide scaling.

• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity, data privacy, and internal governance standards.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to identify innovation opportunities and align on execution priorities.

• Manage relationships with external partners, startups, and technology vendors to co-develop digital solutions.

• Act as the primary business point of contact for innovation related engagements with external parties.

• Ensure effective collaboration and integration of partner-led initiatives within business operations.

• Represent the organization in innovation forums, consortiums, and industry engagements as required.

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Define and monitor KPIs for digital innovation initiatives, including ROI, time-to-market, and adoption rates.

• Track innovation project performance and ensure delivery against approved plans and milestones.

• Apply continuous improvement methodologies to refine digital processes and solution effectiveness.

• Identify risks and issues early and coordinate mitigation actions with relevant stakeholders.

• Prepare structured performance reports and insights for management review.

Innovation Culture & Change Enablement

• Promote a culture of experimentation, agility, and customer centric innovation across the organization.

• Facilitate ideation workshops, innovation labs, and cross-functional sessions to generate new ideas.

• Support change management activities to ensure successful adoption of new digital solutions.

• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across innovation initiatives.

• Act as an internal advocate for digital innovation best practices and methodologies.

Governance, Compliance & Alignment

• Ensure all digital innovation initiatives comply with corporate policies, procurement processes, and risk frameworks.

• Coordinate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Risk teams to support approvals and compliance requirements.

• Maintain alignment with enterprise architecture, data governance, and cybersecurity standards.

• Engage senior stakeholders to ensure transparency, alignment, and informed decision making.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of innovation governance standards.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / STEM, business, Technology, Innovation, or a related discipline.

• Master’s degree or professional certification in Digital Transformation or Innovation is preferred.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• 8 years of experience in digital innovation, product management, transformation, or related roles.

• Proven experience delivering digital or technology enabled initiatives within enterprise environments.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing external partners.

• Exposure to retail, energy, mobility, or customer facing industries is an advantage.

• Strong understanding of emerging digital technologies and their business applications.

• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership management capabilities.

• Ability to translate strategic ideas into practical, scalable solutions.

• Effective communication and presentation skills.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies, design thinking, and innovation frameworks.