Open Innovation Manager

Position Summary

The Samsung Mobile eXperience (MX) Open Innovation team at SRUK is responsible for sourcing and incubating innovative and unique, external technologies in Europe that can accelerate development and add significant value to Samsung’s portfolio of mobile devices e.g., smartphones, earbuds, watches and tablets.
This involves proactively identifying, reviewing and promoting technology from European companies and start-ups for potential commercial partnership with Samsung Mobile HQ in Suwon, Korea.
Subsequently, the team continuously monitors emerging technology trends in Europe and is always looking for the next big thing.
The Open Innovation Manager is responsible for identifying and promoting technology European companies and start-ups with innovative and unique technologies, which can add significant value to Samsung’s portfolio of mobile devices e.g., smartphones, earbuds, watches and tablets.
This will involve proactively and independently evaluating European companies & start-ups and their core technologies, managing business development and support between the European technology partner and Samsung MX, as well as monitoring general technology trends in Europe.
The position will be based in Zurich, Switzerland and the jobholder will be expected to be a confident self-starter, who is comfortable working independently, with management and support provided from the UK-based Samsung MX Open Innovation team. Additionally, the position will involve regular engagement with the Samsung MX Technology Strategy Group at the Samsung Mobile HQ in Suwon, South Korea.

Role and Responsibilities

• Identify new and emerging technology trends with potential for mass-market consumer adoption and key impact on mobile devices; this in order to source relevant European technology companies & start-ups for potential commercial partnership

• Liaise and network with European technology start-up accelerators, incubators, VCs, government organisations, universities, research institutes and other entities as required that can provide a source for new and emerging technology spinouts and start-ups

• Be the primary liaison between external technology partners and Samsung MX by leading technical and business discussions, facilitating evaluation, and driving PoCs with a goal of commercialisation as well as investment and/or M&A

• Arrange and support meetings in Europe between European technology companies & start-ups and Samsung MX. These can be regular Partner events or ad-hoc meetings in UK, Switzerland or in other European locations

• Attend major technology start-ups events in Europe such as MWC and Viva Technology, as well as CES in the US, in order to source European technology companies & start-ups

• Respond to ad-hoc technology sourcing requests from colleagues in Korea with well curated and appropriate suggestions from Europe

• Write in-depth technology reports about latest new and emerging technology trends of technologies and start-ups in Europe

• Domestic and international travel will be a requirement

Skills and Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in technology or engineering discipline. Alternatively, a demonstrable track record in a similar technology sourcing or corporate development role (hardware or software).

• Industry knowledge of mobile related technologies such as (but not limited to): AI, camera/optics, sensors, computer vision, audio, battery, display, digital health & fitness, materials, antenna and IoT

• Excellent communication including the ability to evaluate and explain core IP and complex technical information in a clear, concise and easy to understand way to individuals and audiences of varying technical understanding within the organisation

• Ideally have an already established network in the European start-up and innovation industry, especially about the territory in which the role is based

• Ability to deal with ambiguity associated with working in a fast-paced and changing environment

• Exceptional English language skills (both verbally and written)

• Additional language skills are not necessary, but would be beneficial

• Highly proficient user of MS office tools

Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a previous employer.

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