Manager: Innovation Premium & Academy at Vodafone Global Enterprise

Role purpose:

To develop and deliver the Innovation Premium programme, the following functions will be implemented;

• Discover IP – run extensive and continuous activities across Vodacom OpCos and subsidiaries to find all innovative projects that can drive the Innovation Premium pillars;
• Fund IP – a dual-pronged approach to claim back developmental funds under the Department of Science and Innovation’s Tax Rebate programme and to find alternative sources of funding for any innovative projects not funded directly by business. 
• Protect IP – lodge patents for any applicable innovative work done and defend the organisation against external Intellectual Property breach complaints.
• Monetise IP – explore ways to monetise any such patents via relevant commercial agreements, locally and internationally.
• Evangelise IP – promote Vodacom as an innovative company via all relevant brand, PR, investor, and internal communications channels with the aim to position Vodacom at a premium to its peers.

To develop and deliver the Innovation Academy programme, the following functions will be implemented;

• Learner – develop the models, content, and delivery channels for an introductory set of training modules on Innovation, aimed at stakeholders who want to familiarise themselves with the relevant concepts.
• Practitioner – develop the models, content, and delivery channels for a practical, how-to, set of training modules on taking an innovative idea from ideation through to the end of the  incubation process. This module is aimed at stakeholders who want to practically apply the innovation methods and models, learned in the Learner level, to an actual project,  via a lecturing and coaching methodology.
• Expert – develop the models, content, and delivery channels for a practical, hands-on, set of training modules on taking an innovative idea from ideation through to the end of incubation and/or acceleration. This module is aimed at stakeholders who want to practically apply the innovation methods and models, learned in the Learner and  Practitioner levels, to an actual project, via a mentoring methodology.
• The Innovation Premium and Academy Manager will be responsible to define, develop, implement, operate, and lead all the relevant activities related to the above functions and will co-ordinate all activities across Vodacom Group, markets, subsidiaries, and other relevant parties. In addition, close integration with the relevant Vodafone Group functions will also be ensured.

Your responsibilities will include:

• To document all aspects of the Innovation Premium and Academy work streams and establish the functions and procedures to operationalize this new function.
• To operationalise, run and manage all aspects of the Innovation Premium and Academy.
• To be able to communicate at all levels within the organization. This could include written documents, presentations, memos, meetings, workshops, etc.
• To work with peers across the Group to ensure delivery of all the pillars of the Innovation Premium and Academy.
• To compile reporting information to be presented to all levels of management.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

Must have technical/professional qualifications: 

• Matric/Grade 12 (or SAQA Accredited equivalent) is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in commercial or engineering disciplines or equivalent degree is a requirement.
• MBA or another post-graduate qualification is advantageous.
• Project or Programme Management qualifications are advantageous.
• Marketing or equivalent qualification is advantageous.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience: 

• In depth knowledge/experience of the ICT and Telecommunication Industry with specific focus on Innovation within the industry.
• Strong operational management skills, including project and programme management experience.
• Relevant experience as related to innovation, learning and development, as well as brand and PR.
• Communications skills including interpersonal skills, presentation skills, negotiation skills, relationship building ability, management reporting, etcetera.
• Use of English language for professional technical writing to produce presentations and documents that are of global industry standard.