Requirements
The ideal candidate will have 12-16 years of professional experience in strategic innovation, venture building, or cross-functional leadership, preferably in media, technology, or creative industries. A Bachelor's degree in business, Design, Technology, Media, or a related field is required, with a Master's degree being a plus. Proven experience in building and scaling innovation labs or R&D units, strong understanding of innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, human-centered design, and the media sector landscape are essential. The role also requires experience in budget management, risk mitigation, and resource optimization, along with well-established networks within the Qatari and GCC public sector and industry.
Description
Job Description:The Innovation Lab manager at Media City Qatar will lead the strategic vision and operational direction of the Media Innovation Lab, driving a bold agenda spanning research, experimentation, and real-world product development. With deep expertise in venture building and media sector dynamics, they will cultivate an agile team culture where ideas are rapidly tested, refined, and scaled. As the Lab's primary institutional voice, they will forge strategic alliances with regional and global partners, shaping the future of Qatar's media innovation ecosystem.Responsibilities:Develop and drive the Lab's long-term innovation strategy and roadmap, aligned with MCQ's strategic objectives and media sector needs.Oversee the formation and management of the Lab's Innovation & Development teams, ensuring clear use case outcomes and measurable impact.Build a collaborative, agile environment that promotes cross-functional experimentation and rapid iteration.Manage day-to-day Lab operations including risk mitigation, resource allocation, and budget oversight.Act as the primary liaison with senior stakeholders and external partners, representing the Lab publicly and institutionally.Champion a culture of innovation by identifying emerging trends, technologies, and opportunities relevant to the media ecosystem.Define and track KPIs that measure the Lab's output, team performance, and strategic impact.Qualifications:12–16 years of professional experience in strategic innovation, venture building, or cross-functional leadership, ideally within a media, technology, or creative industries context.Bachelor's degree in business, Design, Technology, Media, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.Proven track record of building, scaling, and sustaining innovation labs, R&D units, or venture-style teams with measurable outcomes.Well-connected within Qatari and GCC-based public sector, with an established network of industry leaders, institutional partners, and key decision-makers.Demonstrated experience developing and executing long-term strategic roadmaps that align organizational goals with market opportunities.Strong command of innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and human-centered design principles.Solid understanding of the media sector landscape, including emerging technologies, digital transformation trends, and ecosystem dynamics.Proven ability to manage budgets, mitigate operational risk, and optimize resources at a program or organizational level.Programs & ToolsMS Office Suite: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OutlookAI & Emerging Tech: Azure AI, ChatGPT / LLM platformsStrategy & Planning: Miro, NotionDelivery & Reporting: Jira, Asana, Power BI