The Company
At Mantis BI we strongly believe that the development of the innovation & startup ecosystem improves peoples’ quality of life. We seek disruptors who share this vision and who are as passionate as we are about innovation.
Mantis BI supports startups, innovators, and researchers to scale up their innovative solutions and ideas towards solving major operational challenges for large private and public organizations, through open innovation.
That’s why acting as innovation enablers, we partner with those ready to accelerate and solve the most demanding environmental, fintech, and societal challenges through product development, process optimization, talent & start-up acquisition, and awareness initiatives.
The Role – Executive Innovation Associate (EIA)
At Mantis Beyond Innovation, the Executive Innovation Associate is a junior-to-mid-level role designed to support the CEO and executive team with tasks related to innovation strategy and project execution (open innovation, venture building, and tech-IMS). This position plays a crucial role in assisting the leadership team, contributing to research, project coordination, and the development of innovative ideas that align with the company’s goals. This position aligns closely with a CEO’s vision for forward-thinking growth and operational efficiency.
He/She has an overview of all business matters and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Responsibilities
Overview of the Executive Innovation Associate (EIA) Role:
- Strategic Support:
- Works closely with the CEO to identify and prioritize innovative projects that align with the company’s goals.
- Assists in crafting strategic plans that incorporate new ideas and processes to enhance competitiveness.
- Conducts market research to provide insights into emerging trends and technologies.
- Business Development with clients and partners
- Innovation Management:
- Facilitates brainstorming sessions, innovation workshops, and meetings to foster creative thinking within the team.
- Helps manage the implementation of innovative projects from ideation to execution.
- Monitors the progress of innovation initiatives and ensures they align with business objectives.
- Liaison Responsibilities:
- Acts as a communication hub between the CEO and different departments, ensuring that innovation-related projects receive the necessary support and attention.
- Represents the CEO in discussions focused on innovation and strategic partnerships.
- Operational Leadership:
- Optimizes processes to streamline workflow and make the organization more adaptable to change.
- Supports the CEO in daily operations, including project oversight, high-level administrative tasks, and facilitating efficient decision-making.
- Provide research and data-backed insights to guide the CEO’s strategic decisions.
- Anticipate potential challenges and opportunities in innovation and present actionable plans.
- Research and Development (R&D) Insight:
- Collaborates with R&D teams to ensure alignment with the CEO’s vision for innovative growth.
- Keeps the CEO informed of potential new technologies, business opportunities, and methodologies that could benefit the company.
- Culture of Innovation:
- Helps build and maintain a culture that values creativity and continuous improvement.
- Encourages and implements feedback systems where employees can propose innovative ideas.
- Optimize Operational Efficiency:
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- Introduce streamlined workflows that enable faster decision-making and project implementation.
- Use innovative practices to boost productivity within the executive office and across the organization.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased Rate of Successful Innovations:
- Measurable increase in the number of innovative projects or ideas brought to fruition, contributing to the company’s market position.
- Tangible outcomes such as new product launches, service improvements, or cost-saving solutions.
- Improved Strategic Alignment:
- Projects and activities are better aligned with the company’s strategic goals, ensuring that efforts support long-term growth.
- Enhanced ability to pivot and adapt to industry trends based on insights provided by the EIA.
- Stronger Executive Efficiency:
- The CEO can focus on high-impact activities due to reliable strategic and operational support.
- Reduction in bottlenecks and faster decision-making processes, thanks to the EIA’s facilitation.
- Enhanced Collaboration and Communication:
- Improved integration between departments resulting in more cohesive project execution and fewer misunderstandings.
- More efficient sharing of information between the CEO and the rest of the company.
- Sustained Culture of Innovation:
- Increased employee participation in idea generation, leading to a more engaged and proactive workforce.
- Creation of innovation metrics that track involvement and success, promoting a continuous improvement ethos.
- Operational Improvements:
- Implementation of processes that reduce redundancies and optimize resource allocation.
- Introduction of new tools or technologies that enhance productivity and collaboration.
Long-Term Impact
An Executive Innovation Associate who meets these goals will contribute to sustained growth, better adaptation to market shifts, and an energized corporate environment. Their role ensures that innovation is not just a one-off initiative but an ongoing, ingrained practice within the company.
Key Qualities of an Effective Executive Innovation Associate
- Visionary Thinking: Ability to think beyond current practices and anticipate future trends.
- Strong Communication Skills: Essential for translating complex ideas into actionable strategies and ensuring alignment with stakeholders.
- Analytical Skills: Capability to assess the feasibility and potential impact of innovative initiatives.
- Leadership and Influence: Supports the CEO’s strategic objectives while guiding teams to embrace and execute innovative projects.
Requirements
A) Hard Skills
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Strategy, Technology, or a related field.
- Master’s degree or MBA is a plus but not mandatory.
- Experience:
- 2-5 years of experience in roles such as innovation management, business consulting, project management, or a related field.
- Proven experience working closely with senior executives is preferred.
- Exposure to technology-driven projects, open innovation, or venture building is a strong advantage.
- Technical Proficiency:
- Proficient in productivity tools such as MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Monday.com).
- Knowledge of CRM or ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, SAP) is a plus.
B) Soft Skills
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect market trends and insights to actionable business strategies.
- Project Management: Experience managing complex projects from ideation to implementation.
- Research & Analytical Abilities: Proficient in conducting market analysis and deriving insights to inform decision-making.
- Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (additional languages are a plus).
- Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with innovation tools, platforms, and methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile).
- Financial Literacy: Basic understanding of budgeting, resource allocation, and financial projections.
- Collaboration & Influence: Ability to work cross-functionally and drive alignment among diverse teams.
C) Personal Attributes
- Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: A proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing effective solutions.
- Creativity & Innovation: A strong passion for exploring and implementing new ideas.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
- Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Strong interpersonal skills for working with a variety of stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications (Optional):
- Certifications in innovation management, project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2), or related areas.
- Experience in working within innovation agencies, startups, or consulting environments.