Technology & Innovation Manager

About the role

A client operating in a global industrial and technology-driven environment is hiring a Technology & Innovation Manager for its innovation and R&D transformation team. The role shapes the organization's technology roadmap, accelerates innovation initiatives and turns scientific and technological developments into scalable business opportunities. It is based in Tuzla, Istanbul, on a hybrid basis (4 days onsite, 1 day remote).

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze global technology trends and emerging technology landscapes to identify disruptive opportunities.
• Develop, maintain and update the organization's Technology Radar in line with business and innovation priorities.
• Lead ideation, opportunity discovery and innovation acceleration to build and manage an innovation pipeline.
• Evaluate early-stage technologies and R&D opportunities through technical, commercial, financial and strategic assessments, including Real Options and investment analyses.
• Drive Proof of Concept, validation, MVP and scale-up activities with business units and cross-functional teams.
• Design and manage innovation and research projects, defining scope, methodology, resources, timelines and success metrics.
• Build partnerships with universities, research institutes, technology centers, startups and innovation hubs worldwide.
• Represent the organization at technology conferences, innovation events, startup ecosystems and demo days.
• Facilitate stakeholder alignment, governance, partnership agreements and executive-level reporting.

Required profile

• MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.
• PhD and/or postdoctoral research experience highly preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in innovation, emerging technologies, advanced R&D or technology strategy roles.
• Proven track record leading early-stage technology initiatives from concept through validation and scale-up.
• Experience collaborating with universities, research organizations, startups and industrial partners across international markets.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Analytical skills to turn complex scientific and technical topics into strategic business recommendations.
• Innovation management methods such as Design Thinking, Stage-Gate, Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and Real Options.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.