Manager Innovation

Manager Innovation, Volvo Financial Services
At Volvo Financial Services, we are transforming together to shape the world we want to live in. As the captive finance arm of the Volvo Group, VFS delivers innovative, responsive financial solutions that fit the way businesses work today, as well as how they will work in the future. Through our dedication to innovation, we support our customers in the adoption of sustainable transport and equipment solutions.

At VFS, you will be part of a global and diverse team of trusted financial experts in the transportation and equipment industry whose passion is to cultivate customer relationships. We are knowledgeable, yet approachable, and customers can always count on us. We also embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo, believing that innovation is driven by a willingness to change to stay ahead and find smart ways to create new solutions to help our customers win.

VFS is positioned at the center of massive change taking place in transportation and fintech. The Innovation Manager is a core part of the VFS innovation initiative and a key player in establishing and executing the VFS innovation strategy. This role will be the focal point for the critical market intelligence needed to drive VFS success with innovation. This position is part of VFS Global Headquarters and reports to the SVP, Strategy and Innovation. The location for this role will be Gothenburg Sweden and will be co-located at CampX.
CampX by Volvo Group is one of the leading innovation arenas within the Volvo Group. Established in Gothenburg in 2019, CampX has added hubs in Bangalore and Lyon. Further expansion to Greensboro is currently being planned with a view to adding more locations over time. The purpose of CampX is to support the Volvo Group in driving business innovation through technology partnerships.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

· Identify critical market information required to drive the VFS innovation strategy.
· Establish relationships and manage providers of market intelligence.
· Provide benchmarking for innovation introductions by competitors and other players in financial services.
· Monitor the fintech space for trends and emerging players and in-depth research on prioritized fintech firms.
· Create a repository of market intelligence and a user friendly method for users to access information.
· Develop communications of relevant innovation activity within the financial services space.
· Support the agenda creation and content for VFS strategy sessions and innovation meetings.
· Respond to market intelligence requests from innovation teams and executive management.
· Lead deep dive analysis on selected focus areas of innovation.
· Create communications of innovation focus areas and success stories.
· Design collaboration models with Business Areas for new service development.
· Travels occasionally both inside and outside the United States (20% or less).
· Other duties and projects may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE


· BS/BA in Finance or related field is required. MBA preferred.
· 5+ years of experience
· Demonstrated market intelligence capabilities, financial services focus preferred
· Experience working with academic and/or think tank resources to source market intelligence
· Strong project management skills
· Innovative problem solving and strong analytical abilities
· Solid research skills and ability to present information in a clear and concise way
· Well organized and able to handle multiple requests simultaneously
· Team player with flexibility to handle a wide range of requests
· Fluency in reading, writing and speaking English; additional languages a plus
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
BUSINESS ACUMEN
Knows how businesses work; knowledgeable in current and future possible policies, practices, trends and information affecting capital equipment and captive finance in the global marketplace. Knows the competition; is aware of how strategies and tactics work in the marketplace, and the role of systems and processes to execute on stated strategies.
POLITICAL SAVVY
Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly; is sensitive to how people and organizations function; anticipates where the land mines are and plans his/her approach accordingly; views corporate politics as a necessary part of organizational life and works to adjust to that reality; is a maze-bright person.
PRESENTATION SKILLS
Is effective in a variety of formal presentation settings; one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports and bosses; is effective both inside and outside the organization, on both cool data and controversial topics; commands attention and can manage group process during the presentation; can change tactics midstream when something isn’t working. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
STRATEGIC AGILITY
Sees ahead clearly; can anticipate future consequences and trends accurately; has broad knowledge and perspective; is future oriented; can articulately paint credible pictures and visions of possibilities and likelihoods; can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.