Mgr, Digital Program Mgmt

Job description

**Job Title** **Strategy & Innovation Manager / Innovation Catalyst** **Level** P4 **Experience** **10–12 years** **Location** Hyderabad / Bangalore **Role Overview** We are seeking a **Strategy & Innovation Manager / Catalyst** to operate at the intersection of **strategy, execution, ecosystem, and culture**, driving innovation programs from **idea to pilot to scale**. This role will partner closely with **business units, digital & product teams, GCC leadership, and external ecosystems (startups, partners, academia)** to convert ambiguity into structured execution and measurable impact. You will shape innovation pipelines, lead pilots, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure innovation delivers real business outcomes — not just ideas. **What You’ll Do** **Innovation Strategy & Lifecycle Ownership** - Own and deliver **end-to-end innovation initiatives** across the full lifecycle — ideation, design, build, test, pilot, and scale. - Translate Carrier’s **enterprise and digital strategy** into focused innovation themes, roadmaps, and execution plans. - Shape propositions by iterating on insights, customer needs, and commercial viability. **Idea to Execution Funnel (Internal Innovation)** - Design and run a **structured idea-to-execution pipeline** across functions and teams. - Establish robust mechanisms for: - idea sourcing and challenges - prioritization and filtering (impact, feasibility, effort) - pilot sponsorship and ownership - Ensure **every idea moves to execution, merge, or conscious closure** — no open loops. - Maintain leadership-ready **innovation pipeline dashboards and reports**. **Hackathons, Challenges & Engagement** - Lead **enterprise hackathons, innovation challenges, Shark Tank–style forums, and ideation workshops**. - Partner with business, digital, product, data, and engineering teams to turn outputs into: prototypes, pilots and MVPs - Drive participation, energy, and credibility of innovation programs across the organization. **Startup & External Ecosystem Engagement** - Build and sustain strong **startup, accelerator, VC, and ecosystem partnerships** relevant to Carrier’s priorities. - Scout emerging solutions and technologies; structure **POCs, pilots, and co-innovation engagements**. - Act as a bridge between **Carrier business units and external innovators**. **Product, Platform & Digital Innovation** - Work closely with product, platform, architecture, and delivery teams to design **scalable, execution-ready solutions**. - Evaluate **build vs buy vs partner** decisions for digital capabilities. - Maintain strong working knowledge of **digital products, platforms, and solution architectures**. **Market & Technology Scanning** - Continuously track **emerging technologies and innovation models** (AI, GenAI, data platforms, IoT, cloud, automation, digital twins). - Analyze competitor activity, industry trends, and customer behaviors to identify opportunity spaces. - Convert insights into **clear use cases, pilots, and leadership recommendations**. **Stakeholder & Executive Management** - Partner with **senior leaders, BU heads, product owners, and GCC leadership** to align priorities and funding. - Influence without authority in a **matrixed, global environment**. - Prepare crisp, compelling **executive and board-level updates** on innovation progress and outcomes. **Metrics, Governance & Value Realization** - Define success metrics for innovation initiatives: - business impact (revenue, cost, efficiency, experience) - pilot success KPIs - scale readiness - Track milestones, risks, assumptions, and benefits realization. - Strengthen innovation governance, frameworks, and playbooks. **What You Bring** **Experience & Background** - **10–12 years** in strategy, innovation, digital transformation, product, solutioning, or ecosystem roles. - Proven experience delivering **innovation programs or portfolios**, not just ideation. - Strong exposure to **startup ecosystems, accelerators, or external partnerships**. - Demonstrated success running **hackathons, pilots, MVPs, or incubation programs**. - Experience working in **global, matrixed organizations or GCC environments**. **Skills & Capabilities** - Strong understanding of **digital technologies** (AI/ML, GenAI, data, cloud, SaaS, automation, IoT) at a solution level. - Ability to **translate strategy into executable roadmaps and pilots**. - Exceptional **stakeholder management, storytelling, and influencing skills**. - Comfort operating in ambiguity and creating clarity through structure. - Agile / Lean / Design Thinking mindset with bias toward action. ****Carrier is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.**** **Job Applicant's Privacy Notice:** Click on this [link](https://www.corporate.carrier.com/legal/privacy-notice-job-applicant/) to read the Job Applicant's Privacy Notice