Head of Innovation Prague, Praha

Head of Innovation

Overview:
**_ WELCOME TO SITA_**
Ready to redefine air travel? The journey starts here, with you at SITA.
**_
ABOUT THE ROLE & TEAM:_**
The mission of the SITA AT BORDERS business unit is to deliver a digital transformation of the border for our customers. We have high growth forecast that will be supported through a culture of customer co-innovation and partnership.
The Head of Innovation is a key role to materialize the BORDERS growth aspirations, shaping and promoting the innovation vision and strategy, incubating new business ideas and value propositions based on novel technologies and process innovations, and providing a smooth transition to revenue-earning product offerings.
This is a leadership role where the individual supports the Borders Head of Strategy to define and execute an innovation strategy that supports the strategic direction of the business.
**_
WHAT YOU WILL DO:_**
**Innovation Strategy**
- Define the BORDERS innovation vision and strategy for the 1-to-3-year horizon, working closely with the product teams to identify and shape new product offerings and enhancements from a strong understanding of customer needs.
- Champion thought leadership, representing SITA at key industry and customer events and engagements, and authoring content to demonstrate SITA’s leadership in this domain.
- Innovation Investment Planning and Tracking: secure, prioritize and manage investments in alignment with the defined innovation strategy.
**Innovation Roadmap and Execution**
- Lead Innovation Product Manager(s) to define the value proposition, target markets, and business model for new product offerings, and the incubation of these new offerings from ideation to definition of an MMP.
- Lead the definition, approval and delivery of pilot projects, shaping, motivating, leading and managing a cross-functional team.
- Ensure alignment of functional and architecture roadmaps with strategic initiatives in the innovation vision.
- Identify and register patents for inventions to protect the portfolio´s intellectual assets and enhance profitability through licensing and tax benefits.
**Innovation Evangelist**
- Regularly communicate and promote the Portfolio Strategy with sales teams, BORDERS leadership and other portfolios to obtain feedback and recommendations.
- Lead Account teams and direct customer engagements in the development of customer co-innovation plans.
- Develop and manage industry, customer and strategic supplier partnership relationships to influence market trends and innovation.
Qualifications:
**_ WHO YOU ARE:_**
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a related role.
- Experience in Border Management or Identity Management essential.
- Proven track record in achieving revenue growth, ideation and innovation creation.
- Experience of working in a matrix environment, liaising with different teams to ensure overall Business Unit success.
- Development of strong relationships with key senior-level stakeholders across SITA including the GEOs, Technology and Engineering and Strategy.
- Strong communication skills and leadership skills to motivate and drive the strategy both within the team and wider SITA;
- Business / Engineering / Science related qualification to at least bachelors degree level typically. Other Degree level backgrounds considered.
**_
WHAT WE OFFER:_**
SITA’s workplace is all about diversity, many different countries and cultures are represented in our workforce. We collaborate in our impressive offices, embracing a hybrid work format. As part of our global benefits, we offer:
Flex Week: Work from home up to 2 days/week (depending on your Teams needs).
- Flex Day: You may wish to flex your arrival time at the office to beat rush hours or leave earlier for personal commitments. We encourage open communication with your manager about your needs and routine.
Flex-Location: Enjoy up to 30 workdays of benefits, anywhere in the world!
Employee Wellbeing: Benefit from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by SITA, a yearly free service offering practical advice in various aspects of your life.
Professional Development: Enhance your skills with our training platforms, inclusive of LinkedIn Learning!
Competitive Benefits: Access competitive benefits tailored to the local market and your employment status.

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