Senior Associate - Innovation

About the role

The Senior Associate – Innovation position is focused on strengthening the innovation function through disciplined analysis, performance monitoring, and evidence-based reporting. The role supports the review of innovation initiatives, helps manage pilot governance, and turns data into clear insights that support decision-making.

This position calls for strong analytical thinking, advanced capability with business intelligence and data visualization tools, solid financial modelling skills, and the confidence to present findings clearly to senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Keep the innovation portfolio dashboard current and well-organized.
• Monitor key performance indicators for pilot programs and proof-of-concept initiatives.
• Surface risks, schedule slippages, and opportunities to improve outcomes.
• Build interactive dashboards and reporting views.
• Bring together information from different business units into structured reports.
• Automate regular reporting workflows where possible.
• Maintain accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data.
• Support financial modelling for innovation-related initiatives.
• Run ROI reviews and scenario-based analysis for pilot projects.
• Help assess potential cost reductions and revenue upside.
• Support the evaluation of startups and technology partners.
• Contribute to scoring approaches and assessment frameworks.
• Prepare clear analytical summaries for leadership and decision forums.
• Develop concise, insight-led presentations for senior management.
• Provide analytical support for Innovation Committee materials.
• Ensure reporting across initiatives is timely and well-structured.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, data analytics, or a similar discipline.
• Professional certifications in analytics or BI tools are considered an advantage.
• 6 to 8 years of experience in analytics, strategy, finance, or innovation-focused roles.
• Prior exposure to cross-functional work in a corporate environment.
• Experience in project evaluation, performance tracking, or portfolio reporting is preferred.
• Advanced capability in business intelligence and data visualization, including dashboard creation and data modelling.
• Strong command of Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Working knowledge of financial concepts such as ROI, cost-benefit analysis, and basic business case assessment.
• Familiarity with KPI design and performance tracking frameworks.
• Strong analytical ability and structured thinking.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Clear, concise communication skills.
• Ability to turn data into practical insights.
• Good organization and time-management skills.
• A collaborative approach with professional stakeholder management.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite role based in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.