Innovation Manager: Sensors & AI

Konnect is the Volkswagen Group Innovation hub in Tel Aviv, a wholly owned subsidiary of VW Group in Israel, representing and supporting the various brands of VW Group, including VW, Audi, Skoda, Bentley, VW Commercial Vehicles, Scania and Cariad.

The team of Konnect is scouting, evaluating, testing, and executing technical projects with Israeli startups in the Smart Mobility, Industry 4.0 and Climatech verticals. 

We are looking for an exceptional and motivated Innovation Manager for Sensors & AI topics, who will join our team. This role is a full-time opportunity based in Tel Aviv, with the possibility of working 1-2 days remotely.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:  

·       Support the management and the team in scouting and validating new technologies, managing PoCs, and scaling successful projects, with a focus on Autonomous Driving, Sensors, AI, In-cabin experience, In-cabin monitoring, and advanced HMI technologies.

·       Lead innovation projects end-2-end:

o  Learn and identify internal pain points and use cases.

o  Scout for relevant Israeli technologies, evaluate and report fitting results.

o  Lead business meetings and negotiations towards a joint project.

o  PoC planning and execution – manage different stakeholders and overcome challenges toward a specific project plan, KPIs, and deliverables.

·       Actively source for business opportunities and potential partnerships in the Israeli innovation ecosystem and within the VW Group. 

·       Take part and lead external and internal workshops and meetings in the HQ (business trips), generating new contacts and partnership opportunities in the VW Group network.

·       Prepare startups' technological reports and presentations for internal review and decision-making as required.

·       Conduct market research, trend reports, and comparative analysis of other markets.

·       Record and monitor all startups' interactions and materials within the relevant corporate tools.

·       Develop and maintain a strong network with startups, universities, research institutions, VCs, accelerators, and incubators locally in Israel.

·       Attend industry networking events, conferences, and innovation summits.

The ultimate candidate is/has:

·       Technological and business background – bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, materials science, or business and innovation. 

·       3-5 years of experience in a tech role in a VC, corporate, startup, or management consulting.

·       Deep technical understanding, knowledge, and passion for technology and innovation.

·       Advantage to candidates with experience in the automotive, mobility, sensors, AI, and HMI verticals.

·       Able to manage multiple changing priorities and actively contribute to a high-performing team.

·       A team player who is very independent, fast learner, curious, self-driven, and results-oriented.

·       Strong network and an active participant in the Israel tech community.

·       Strong written and oral communication capabilities in English and Hebrew. Mother tongue English/German - an advantage.

·       Ability to work internationally and adapt to global corporate needs and processes.

Join our team in Tel Aviv and help shape the Future of Mobility with us!

Please submit your application by November 30^th 2023.