Associate Director, Innovation Partnership

At AIA we’ve started an exciting movement to create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.

So if you believe in inspiring a better future, read on.

About the Role

The Associate Director, Innovation Partnership will play a critical role in driving the integration of emerging technologies like Generative AI to solve complex business challenges within the company.

You will work closely with your assigned business function to deeply understand their pain points and collaborate with technical subject matter experts within the Group Innovation Office to design and implement transformative solutions.

Your role will be pivotal in bridging the gap between business needs and technical capabilities, ensuring that innovative solutions are aligned with business goals, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Roles and Responsibilities :

Business Problem Identification : Engage with assigned business functions to understand their challenges, pain points, and opportunities. Work with technical team within Group Innovation Office as well as external vendors, partners, or consultants, where necessary, to source technology solutions, research, and development expertise. Analyze business processes, customer journeys, and operational workflows to identify areas where emerging technologies like Generative AI, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Automation can create value. Work closely with business stakeholders to scope and prioritize projects based on business value and impact.

Solution Design & Development : Collaborate across Group Innovation Office, including data scientists, AI engineers, and other technical experts, to design technology-driven solutions tailored to business needs. Develop and document business requirements for technology solutions, ensuring they meet the functional, operational, and customer-centric objectives of the business.

Stakeholder Management : Build strong relationships with key business leaders and stakeholders across assigned business function both at Group Office and BUs to ensure alignment on goals, project scope, and deliverables. Serve as the point of contact for business teams to communicate progress, gather feedback, and ensure continuous engagement throughout the development cycle. Act as a translator between business and technical teams, effectively communicating business needs and ensuring technical feasibility.

Technology Implementation & Adoption : Oversee the deployment of innovative solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and workflows. Provide training and support to business teams to drive adoption and usage of new technologies, ensuring they realize the full value of the solution. Monitor and evaluate the performance of implemented solutions, gathering feedback to improve and optimize outcomes.

Innovation Strategy & Thought Leadership : Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, advancements, and use cases in Generative AI, Insurtech, and other emerging technologies relevant to the life insurance industry especially in the assigned business function. Advocate for the adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the organization, identifying opportunities to disrupt and innovate. Contribute to the company's long-term innovation strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and industry trends

Minimum Job Requirements :

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Technology Management, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

10+ years of experience in a business strategy, innovation, or technology management role, preferably in the insurance, fintech, or financial services sectors.

Proven experience in working with emerging technologies like Generative AI, Machine Learning, Automation, and advanced analytics modelling

Strong understanding of the life insurance industry, especially in assigned business function

Experience working in cross-functional teams to deliver technology solutions that drive business transformation

Knowledge of agile project management methodologies and experience working in an agile environment

Resourceful and can work independently