Innovation Program Coordinator (Smartlab)

About SmartLabs

SmartLabs is SmartOSC’s Innovation Enablement Hub, orchestrating innovation to enable revenue growth from new businesses and emerging technologies. We operate across three pillars: Governance, Investment, and GTM & Ecosystem Support.

In 2026, AI & Data is SmartLabs’ flagship investment focus – a strategic bet on the capabilities that will define the next era of digital services. This role is central to driving that agenda.

The Innovation Program Coordinator leads the investment strategy and execution for SmartOSC’s AI & Data growth pillar. You will evaluate and prioritize investment proposals, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, and translate market and technology intelligence into actionable innovation roadmaps. This role demands a combination of critical thinking, stakeholder management, and the self-direction to navigate ambiguity in a fast-evolving landscape.

● Own and drive the end-to-end investment process for the AI & Data pillar – from proposal intake and evaluation to funding decisions and performance tracking.

● Critically assess investment proposals against strategic fit, feasibility, and expected business impact.

● Develop and maintain transparent evaluation frameworks and investment criteria that enable data-driven decision-making.

● Serve as the primary coordination point between SmartLabs leadership, business unit directors, delivery heads, and sales teams for AI & Data initiatives.

● Facilitate alignment across stakeholders with competing priorities; balance strategic direction with operational realities.

● Manage governance cadence – prepare investment reviews, progress reports, and escalation briefs for leadership decision-making.

● Build trust and influence without formal authority across multiple business functions and geographies.

● Analyze emerging trends in technology and industry shifts to uncover potential innovation opportunities.

● Conduct market research to identify whitespace, unmet needs, and areas for value creation.

● Propose strategic innovation themes aligned with SmartLabs’ and SmartOSC’s business goals.

● Develop plans and mechanisms to foster the generation of new ideas and mobilize internal resources, ensuring a seamless and continuous innovation pipeline

● Develop evaluation frameworks and criteria to support transparent and effective assessment of internal innovation initiatives across key stages: idea sourcing, screening, validation, and experimentation.

● Coordinate cross-functionally with product, delivery engineering, and business teams to facilitate the implementation of MVPs or proof-of-concepts (PoCs), ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational feasibility.

● Identify, evaluate, and engage external partners (tech startups, companies, research institutions, tech communities) based on strategic fit and co-innovation potential.

● Structure partnership models (joint development, knowledge exchange, venture collaboration) to accelerate AI & Data innovation outcomes.

● Collaborate with internal teams to foster innovation culture and engagement in co-creation with external partners.

Knowledge & Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Strategic Management, Economics, Innovation Management, Technology Management, Engineering, or Computer Science (with a strong interest in Strategy and Innovation).

● Minimum 4–6 years of experience, with background in one or more of the following: venture capital, corporate venture capital, venture building/ startup studio, strategy consulting, tech management, or corporate innovation management.

● Proven track record in evaluating business cases, investment proposals, or innovation initiatives with a critical, data-informed lens.

● Exposure to AI, Data, or deep-tech sectors through investment activity, portfolio support, or advisory work is highly preferred.

● Prior experience in launching internal innovation initiatives, venture building, or running innovation labs is a strong plus.

● Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to interrogate assumptions, evaluate trade-offs, and make sound judgments on investment and strategy decisions.

● Comfortable operating in ambiguity; proactively defines own priorities and adjusts course as the landscape evolves.

● Systems thinking and decision-making skills, can synthesize complex market, technology, and business signals into clear, actionable recommendations.

● Cross-functional collaboration and influence without authority.

● Excellent communication and storytelling skills (both verbal and written).

● Professional English proficiency (IELTS > 7.0 or equivalent), especially in business, technology, and research contexts.

● Attractive salary package: base salary + performance bonus

● Salary review twice a year

● Flexible working hours

● Premium health care

● Working in one of the largest digital transformation agencies – A professional English environment

● Free English and professional training packages

● Firm’s Certified Qualifications Sponsorship for career development

● Annual company trip inside or outside Vietnam

● Other fun activities: happy hour, quarterly team building, football club, yoga club, swimming club, charity activities, etc.

● Free entertainment parties: Birthday party, Anniversary party, Sum-up Party, Year-End Party, etc.