AE - Innovation Manager

Amana Group

We are constantly looking for new talent who will challenge the way we build to enhance our work for a better tomorrow. Group AMANA provides multiple opportunities to develop your career with us.

RESPONSIBILTIES

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Support the Director of Innovation in translating the company s innovation vision into practical roadmaps across four workstreams:
  
  • Construction Technology & Materials
  • Automate Design (Engineering digitalization)
  • Modular Evolution (DfMA & industrialization)
  • Productisation (Kit-of-parts standardization)
• Identify high-impact opportunities for diversification and business model innovation e.g., digital services, smart modular products, lifecycle offerings, and performance-based solutions.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

• Support initiatives to digitize engineering workflows, integrate BIM automation, and deploy project management technologies.
• Champion the adoption of advanced construction tech (e.g., AI/ML, IoT, drones, robotics) to improve productivity, safety, and coordination.
• Drive internal efficiencies through process automation and data-driven decision-making.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Conduct structured research into emerging trends, technologies, and operating models in construction and adjacent industries.
• Evaluate proposals through feasibility studies, business case modeling, ROI/risk assessment, and prototyping.

COLLABORATION

• Working closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, architects, project managers, and external stakeholders to drive innovation and integration of new methodologies.
• Collaborate with HR and Marketing to foster a culture of innovation, using campaigns, training, and incentives.
• Build trust and engagement across departments by demonstrating quick wins and facilitating co-creation of solutions.
• Overcome resistance through empathy, structured rollout, and visible benefits.
• Work alongside the Strategy team to ensure innovation priorities complement business transformation goals.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Overseeing innovation projects, setting milestones, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery of innovative solutions.

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

• Set objectives and guide the performance of any direct reports or cross-functional project teams.
• Coach team members and foster a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and purposeful impact.

RISK ASSESSMENT

• Identifying and filtering potential risks associated with new technologies and implementing measures to mitigate them.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

• Tracking and analyzing the performance of innovation initiatives, gathering data, and providing reports to management for informed decision-making.

COMPLIANCE

• Ensuring adherence to industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols while implementing innovative solutions.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGMENT

• Engaging with clients, vendors, and partners to understand their needs and collaborate on innovative solutions that add value to construction projects.
• Cultivate innovation partnerships with tech startups, research institutions, suppliers, and government agencies.
• Support ecosystem development activities hackathons, venture pilots, academic collaborations, and industry events.
• Build B2B relationships with government agencies, academia, consultants, and specialist vendors.
• This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, project management skills, and the ability to lead and inspire teams toward a culture of innovation within the construction industry.

MARKET SKILLS and COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Execution: Ability to turn ideas into action plans.
• Creativity & Innovation: Generates new ideas and solutions under constraints.
• Systems Thinking: Sees how changes interact within the broader organization.
• Change Leadership: Manages resistance and builds momentum for transformation.
• Communication: Crafts clear narratives and engages multiple audiences.
• Team Collaboration: Works across disciplines to align and deliver.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in innovation, transformation, or digital strategy roles; experience in the construction or industrial sector is a plus.