Provide senior enterprise-wide leadership to ensure that research investment is converted into tangible business impact and scalable solutions.
Set the vision, strategy, and operating model for ARC to triage requests, commission prototypes and technical analyses.
Recommend build-versus-outsource approaches that best serve IOG’s ventures and product teams.
Ensure that prototyping and solution validation are carried out with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
Deliver decision-ready outputs that reduce risk and accelerate time-to-market.
Build and continuously improve a repeatable, scalable operating model that can flex with organizational growth.
Embed rigorous scientific and engineering methodology, transparent governance, and measurable KPIs.
Collaborate with Research, Technical Intelligence, Product, Engineering, and Venture leadership.
Requirements
15+ years of progressive experience in applied research, product incubation, or innovation management, including significant senior leadership experience at VP or equivalent level.
Demonstrated success in commissioning and managing rapid-prototyping initiatives that move research concepts to market impact.
Strong background in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline; a PhD or Master’s is typical and strongly preferred but not a strict requirement.
Proven ability to design and scale operating models that balance innovation throughput with quality and governance.
Track record of partnering across research, engineering, and product organisations to deliver validated prototypes and actionable strategic recommendations.
Proficiency in applying AI/ML to accelerate applied research and prototyping, and in identifying opportunities where AI can create leverage for new ventures and products.
Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Strategic and systems thinking – anticipates technology trends and integrates them into innovation and product strategies.
Innovation leadership – guides rapid prototyping and solution validation, ensuring measurable outcomes within defined innovation cycles.
Research-to-market integration – translates foundational research and technical intelligence into business-ready prototypes and insights.
Governance and operational excellence – designs and runs a regulated commissioning model with transparent intake, prioritisation, and resource allocation.
Analytical and synthesis capability – evaluates diverse technical inputs and market signals to provide clear build-versus-outsource recommendations. Applies advanced AI/ML techniques to analyse complex datasets and derive insights that inform build-versus-outsource recommendations
Executive communication and influence – conveys complex technical and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders in a concise, actionable way.
Organisational leadership – builds and scales a high-performing, cross-disciplinary team and instils a culture of disciplined experimentation and accountability.
Cross-functional collaboration – works seamlessly with research, product, engineering, and venture teams to embed knowledge and accelerate market impact.
Data-driven decision making – defines and tracks KPIs for innovation cycle performance, adoption of ARC outputs, and portfolio impact.
Adaptability and resilience – operates effectively in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment, adjusting priorities and resourcing as demand from ventures scales.
Benefits
Remote work
Laptop reimbursement
New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
Learning & Development opportunities
Competitive PTO
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
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