Health Innovation Director

Role Purpose

The Director of Innovation is an executive role that requires a leader skilled in the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution of innovation activities, with a strong focus on integrating new technologies and methodologies to transform healthcare. The Director will manage NEOM’s Health & Wellbeing international innovation ecosystem and spearhead both top-down and ground-up innovation strategies.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Innovation Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute an overarching innovation strategy that aligns with NEOM's Health & Wellbeing Sector goals.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies and innovative processes.

International Ecosystem Management

• Oversee and expand NEOM’s innovation hubs in San Francisco, Munich, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, and manage the relationships with international partners and stakeholders in the Startup Cryosphere accelerator.
• Deliver a dynamic ecosystem comprising public and private entities, that fosters collaboration and is governed through a central facilitator, that spurs economic growth by creating new products, services, and business models.
• Lead the development of the Health & Wellbeing Corporate Venture Studio, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the sector.

Project Execution

• Oversee the execution of insights, co-development, and  partner identification functions, including: Market scans, short-listing, insight reports, horizon scans, and technical due diligence, conducted through global Satellite offices and performed as needed.
• Oversee a structured solution development process, including: Challenge development and POC/MVP development through accelerators and hackathons. Venture building conducted through NEOM Partners and internally in future years.
• Accountable for the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution of all innovation activities facilitated by the Health Innovation team.
• Leverage business analytics and market insights to inform innovation strategies, ensuring that initiatives are both proactive and reactive to market demands.

Team Leadership, Training, and Education

• Serve as a thought leader in the health innovation space
• Oversee innovation training, education, and outreach initiatives to improve the knowledge of HW staff.
• Facilitate events locally and internationally to spread awareness and attract partners
• Manage a diverse team responsible for driving innovation projects, from initial brainstorming through to final execution, ensuring effective use of resources and adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Work closely with executives and teams across various divisions to integrate innovation into all aspects of Health & Wellbeing operations, ensuring synergy and alignment with broader business objectives.
• Oversee population of data in the Strategic Management/Project Management tool and related trainings to ensure accurate reporting for the Partnerships Department
• Manage contracts, projects, and projects that support the design and implementation of Sector objectives
• Lead multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems, and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions
• Preparing and present periodic reports with respect to the Sector/Department’s activities and achievements to Executive Team and Senior Leadership
• Ensure project cost, schedule, and performance targets are met
• Developing scope of work documents to support new contract establishment or renewal of existing contracts

Policies and Procedures

• Ensure compliance with NEOM policies

People Management

• Lead development of the Innovation Division and grow the team to deliver in a rapidly expanding business
• Oversee and support the professional growth of team members
• Promote a high-performance working environment embracing NEOM’s values

Knowledge and Experience

• At a minimum, the ideal candidate will have experience as a Chief Innovation Officer, or building and/or running the innovation function in a large corporate.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior management role with a focus on innovation and technology within the healthcare industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing international teams and projects, with a proven ability to drive innovation in a corporate setting.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with extensive experience in budgeting, financial modeling, and resource allocation.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, capable of motivating teams and collaborating with senior executives.
• The candidate must have experience overseeing annual budgets, developing teams, and creating and managing strategic objectives

Education and Certifications

• A Master's degree or MBA is required