Strategy & Innovation Manager (Smartlab)

Role Overview: 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.

The Strategy & Innovation Manager is responsible for shaping, governing, and accelerating the company’s Data & AI innovation agenda across business units. This role operates as a strategic integrator across BUs — driving alignment, evaluating investment opportunities, structuring innovation governance, and influencing execution through strategic leadership and Chairman sponsorship.

The position plays a critical role in transitioning the company from traditional IT Outsourcing toward AI-driven integration and high-value technology solutions.

● Monitor global Data & AI trends, emerging technologies, and competitive movements to identify opportunities relevant to the company’s strategic direction.

● Analyze industry use cases, technology adoption patterns, and client demand signals to uncover new opportunity spaces.

● Identify high-potential AI-driven solution themes, industry verticals, and capability areas for investment.

● Prepare strategic insight briefs and recommendations for the Chairman and leadership team on: Investment priorities, Emerging risks and market shifts, Strategic opportunities for AI-driven growth

● Help shape the company’s AI innovation narrative and market positioning.

● Maintain visibility over the company’s portfolio of Data & AI initiatives and investments.

● Facilitate structured evaluation of new AI investment proposals from Business Units.

● Apply consistent criteria to assess: Strategic alignment, Commercial potential, Investment requirements and expected ROI

● Organize periodic portfolio reviews with senior leadership to track initiative performance and investment outcomes.

● Ensure approved initiatives have: Clear KPI ownership, defined commercial objectives, responsible use of investment resources

● Facilitate collaboration across Business Units to support joint AI initiatives and capability building.

● Act as a neutral strategic partner helping teams align on priorities, resources, and expected outcomes.

● Surface capability gaps in Data & AI across the organization and recommend initiatives to strengthen internal capabilities.

● Support leadership in ensuring strategic initiatives remain aligned with company-wide innovation goals

● 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 in technology consulting/ innovation management, or market-driven R&D.

● Experience in handling multiple stakeholders

● Proven experience in trend analysis, market insight generation, and strategic planning focused on innovation-led growth is a plus

● Systems thinking and decision-making are based on both internal capabilities and external market signals.

● Cross-functional collaboration and influence without authority.

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

● Professional English proficiency (IELTS > 6.5 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.