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.