Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager

Title: Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager

Geneve, GE, CH, 1202

We are JTI, Japan Tobacco International, and we are present in 130 countries. We have spent years innovating, creating new and better products for the consumers to choose from. This is our business. But not only. Our business is our people. Their talent. Their potential. We believe that when they are free to be themselves, and they are given the opportunity to grow, travel and develop, amazing things can happen.

That’s why our employees, from around the world, choose to be a part of JTI. It is why 83% of employees feel happy working at JTI. And why we’ve been awarded Global Top Employer status, nine years running.

So when you’re ready to choose a career you’ll love, in a company you’ll love, feel free to #JoinTheIdea.

Learn more: jti.com

Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager

Position purpose:

The continued growth of the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) category has forced JT Group to rebalance its priorities with the RRP category now playing a strategic complementary role to the company's conventional business, offering consumers new alternatives, and forcing JT Group to re-invent its business model and products offering. This business environment is putting the R&D RRP Function at the forefront of a consumer electronics race, where technology, engineering, and science will be essential capabilities on the battleground, in order to deliver the most satisfactory consumer experiences. As such, the R&D Function is re-inforcing and re-organizing itself into a truly global team, with multiple engineering and scientific-technical centers, supporting Product Development teams and Technology Development teams.

The Technology Exploration & Innovation Manager is critical in scouting and exploring/prototyping novel technologies on RRP to deliver the necessary key product components/features (i.e. novel sensors, new nicotine delivery concept, etc) to fuel the technology/product development pipeline as well as product improvement. The role requires in-depth knowledge and experience of consumer electronic devices, as well as the ability to lead in-house multi-site development teams and/or negotiate technical requirements and development frameworks with external partners (start-ups, engineering services, industry associations, or universities.

What will you do – responsibilities:

• Technology Scouting

With a consumer-centric approach, actively search for and assess emerging technologies while also identify novel applications for mature technologies. This dual focus aims to ignite innovation, streamline processes, and capitalize on new product opportunities.

Additionally, facilitating information sharing within both R&D and non-R&D functions is expected to foster collaboration and decision-making.

• Technology Exploration

The role entails technically reviewing the theoretical technology potential to deliver a consumer and/or business benefit, assessing any potential risks for the execution (technical feasibility, resource, budget, cost/required investment, expected timeline, competitors’ activities, etc.) and lead (internally or externally) early prototyping to confirm technology value at early phases according to the R&D governance process.

Close collaboration with other R&D functions and non-R&D functions (e.g. QA, SRA, IP) is expected for effective project management.

• Technology Innovation

Building on insights from Technology Scouting and Exploration, it is expected to generate novel ideas, the refinement of existing technologies, and the early assessment of these innovations to determine their merit in supporting JTG's technology/product strategy, including technical feasibility, risk assessment, safety/reliability, social acceptability, and/or manufacturability.

Who are we looking for – requirements:

• An advanced degree in a related scientific discipline (Physics, Chemistry preferred) is required (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 8 years of work experience in applied physics, biotechnology, mechanics, electronics or software is required. Experience working with aerosol-generating products such as RRP (HTP, electronic cigarettes) and/or the consumer electronics industry is highly desirable
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (including presentations), other languages are desirable
• Hands-on experience with Technology Scouting, Technology development, Product development, and Project management
• Leadership
• Innovation Mindset and Proactivity

Recruitment process:

Thank you very much for your interest in the role – we look forward to your application!

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