Manager, IT R&D and Innovation

This role focuses on identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies that create measurable business value while establishing technical standards, development frameworks, and best practices across the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with business stakeholders, regional IT teams, and development teams to transform innovative ideas into scalable enterprise solutions.

The position requires a strong balance of technology research, solution architecture, data management, application development, and project delivery. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, enterprise applications, data architecture, and software development practices, while maintaining a passion for exploring emerging technologies and driving innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and manage enterprise data architecture, including data models, integration frameworks, data pipelines, governance standards, and reporting platforms.
• Lead technology R&D initiatives by evaluating emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, AI capabilities, and development methodologies to identify opportunities that support business growth and operational excellence.
• Conduct proof-of-concept initiatives, technology assessments, and tabletop research to validate new solutions and recommend adoption strategies.
• Translate emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions that deliver measurable business value and operational improvements.
• Drive innovation across enterprise applications with a strong focus on the Microsoft technology ecosystem, including Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Copilot technologies.
• Establish development standards, solution frameworks, governance models, and best practices to improve delivery quality and consistency across regional teams.
• Provide technical leadership and advisory support to country IT and development teams, assisting with architecture reviews, technical problem-solving, and solution design.
• Lead and manage application development initiatives from planning and requirements gathering through development, testing, deployment, and post-implementation support.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders and regional leadership teams to identify technology opportunities and align innovation initiatives with business objectives.
• Develop and deliver technical training, knowledge-sharing programs, and capability-building initiatives to strengthen development practices across the organization.
• Monitor technology trends, market developments, and industry best practices to continuously enhance the organization's innovation capabilities.

Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in application development, technology innovation, IT R&D, enterprise architecture, or digital transformation roles.
• Strong experience in software development methodologies, development tools, application lifecycle management, and enterprise solution delivery.
• Hands-on expertise with Microsoft technologies including Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Copilot Studio.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise data architectures, data integration solutions, and reporting platforms.
• Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and translate innovative concepts into practical business solutions.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise applications, systems integration, cloud technologies, and software engineering best practices.
• Experience leading technical initiatives, managing projects, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders across multiple regions.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

About the Organization:

A leading global apparel manufacturing group with a strong international presence and operations across Asia and other key markets. The organization continues to invest heavily in digital transformation, enterprise technology modernization, data-driven decision making, and innovation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and business performance.

The company offers exposure to enterprise-scale technology environments, regional transformation programs, emerging technologies, and close collaboration with business leaders to shape the future technology landscape of the organization.

Keywords:

Technology R&D, Research & Development, Technology Innovation, IT Innovation, Emerging Technologies, Enterprise Applications, Microsoft Azure, Power Platform, Microsoft 365, Copilot Studio, Data Architecture, Data Governance, Data Integration, Application Development, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Technology, Solution Architecture, Software Engineering, IT Strategy, Innovation Management, AI Innovation, Technology Enablement, Project Management