Innovation Manager

About the role 

As an Innovation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in steering creative thinking, fostering a culture of innovation and leading a team of talented professionals. The Platform Innovation department is a cutting-edge technology division, dedicated to pioneering advancements and pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Our mission is to build a dynamic and diverse team that drives groundbreaking progress in our field. As we continue to expand and evolve, we are seeking a highly motivated and visionary Innovation Manager to lead our team. Your focus will be on identifying, researching and integrating emerging and future technologies that hold the potential to revolutionise our platform and services. You will support the workforce, by exploring how these technologies can benefit our organisation in product development, emerging markets and new demographics. This role is eligible for inclusion in the Company’s hybrid working from home policy.

Main responsibilities

• Providing clear direction, mentorship and guidance to a team of highly skilled professionals, whilst fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment encouraging creativity, innovation and a culture of continuous learning and experimentation.
• Developing and promoting an innovation strategy, aligned with the Company's strategic objectives and growth plans.
• Identifying and evaluating emerging technologies that could enhance the Company’s offerings now, or in the future.
• Overseeing the execution of innovation initiatives from ideation through to implementation, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Staying abreast of the latest advancements in technology and industry trends, especially those relevant or adjacent to online gambling.
• Leading comprehensive research initiatives to assess the viability, benefits and risks of new technologies.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders including product managers, engineers, designers and security, cloud, marketing, product and Business development teams to identify innovation opportunities and ensure alignment and integration of new technologies.
• Building and maintaining relationships with external partners, vendors, start-ups and research institutions to stay connected with the broader innovation ecosystem and industry advancements
• Presenting innovative concepts, ideas and project updates to Senior Management and stakeholders.
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the adoption of new technologies, whilst ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies.

The skills and experience to help you perform in the role

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or similar discipline.
• Extensive experience in technology innovation, research and development or a similar role within the online gaming or technology industry.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and their applications, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, metaverse and wearable technology.
• Excellent leadership and organisational management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop team members.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently within a team.
• Ability to think strategically about technology and the business implications, with a track record of successfully implementing innovative solutions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Possess an established network within the technology and innovation community.