Athens Open Innovation Hub Director

Mission

The Director for the Regional Open Innovation Hub (OIH) is a senior managerial and strategic leadership role, responsible for supporting the Global Strategy & Innovation team in the establishment and development of a new Open Innovation Hub. The Director will play a pivotal role in steering the hub’s strategic direction, aligning it with RINA’s long-term vision, and ensuring that growth and financial targets are met within the defined timelines.

Operating at the intersection of innovation and business development, the Director will lead within a dynamic, multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem, designed to promote synergies and growth across different business units. This executive will collaborate with internal stakeholders to define and refine the hub’s value proposition and oversee the development and implementation of enabling infrastructure, services, and operational models.

Externally, the Director will be the primary representative and relationship builder for the hub, engaging with clients, partners, universities, and research institutions to bring in diverse competencies and resources. They will also drive strategic partnerships with startup incubators, venture capital funds, and startups, ensuring strong alignment with RINA’s Global Venture Capital and Partnership strategies.

This role requires a visionary leader with strong managerial capabilities, able to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and translate innovation into tangible business value.

#LI-MP2

Key Accountabilities

Business Plan Development and Execution:

- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of the OIH’s business plan, ensuring alignment with the broader corporate strategy.

- Collaborate with business units and corporate functions to customize the hub’s service offerings and promote cross-functional synergy.

- Oversee financial performance by tracking key KPIs and ROI, adjusting strategies to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Value Proposition Design:

- Define and continuously evolve the hub’s unique value proposition, ensuring it meets market needs and enhances RINA’s service portfolio.

- Drive innovation by integrating emerging technologies and market trends, maintaining the hub’s competitive edge.

Strategic and Operational Planning:

- Lead both strategic visioning and hands-on operational management, balancing long-term direction with day-to-day execution.

- Establish measurable growth objectives and service development milestones, ensuring adherence to performance and delivery timelines.

- Manage resource allocation to maximize efficiency and operational excellence.

Team Leadership and Management:

- Build and manage a high-performing, multidisciplinary team with expertise in innovation, technology, and operations.

- Define clear roles and performance expectations, promote professional growth, and ensure team alignment with RINA’s objectives.

- Oversee talent acquisition, development, and retention as the hub expands.

Stakeholder and Partner Engagement:

- Act as a strategic ambassador for the hub, cultivating strong relationships with venture capitalists, incubators, startups, research bodies, and universities.

- Forge strategic partnerships to enhance innovation capacity, unlock new business opportunities, and strengthen the hub’s external network.

- Represent the hub at key industry events and conferences, amplifying its visibility and reputation.

Continuous Innovation and Technology Integration:

- Stay abreast of technological and market developments, positioning the hub as a center of excellence for innovation.

- Champion the adoption of cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and processes, working closely with R&D and technical teams to maintain a forward-thinking, experimental approach.

Real Estate and Infrastructure Development:

- Collaborate with internal real estate and facility teams to design a state-of-the-art, innovation-centric workspace.

- Ensure that the physical infrastructure supports collaboration, experimentation, and client engagement.

Financial Oversight:

- Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and financial management of the hub.

- Monitor expenditures and implement cost optimization strategies, ensuring alignment with the business plan without compromising on innovation quality or service delivery.

Ecosystem Management and Integration:

- Cultivate a vibrant, collaborative innovation ecosystem that brings together startups, corporates, academics, and researchers.

- Design and launch engagement programs (e.g. accelerators, startup competitions, joint R&D projects) to stimulate innovation and co-creation.

Education

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing innovation ecosystems and P&L responsibilities.
• Strong strategic thinking with a vision focused on continuous innovation and growth.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate across multiple business units.
• Experience in business development, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and new market opportunities.
• Significant experience leading and managing teams within international and cross-cultural environments.
• Expertise in technological sectors, particularly mechanics and materials, is a strong advantage.
• Fluent in English.