Assistant Manager, Innovation

Cathay Pacific; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 600,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Cathay Pacific's Digital Department (DGT) seeks an experienced professional to drive innovation programmes, ecosystem partnerships, and digital transformation across the Group. You will engage employees, startups, and technology leaders to identify and implement new opportunities and to foster a culture of innovation.

In this role you will manage programmes such as Hackathon and Cathay Accelerate, coordinate governance and reporting, and partner with IT and business units to deliver tangible

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Analytics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 4-6 years of experience in Digital, Information Technology, innovation, consulting, startup ecosystems, or related fields.
• Experience managing innovation programmes, digital initiatives, startup collaborations, or cross-functional projects.
• Strong project management and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, data analytics, and digital platforms.
• Proven stakeholder management skills with experience working across business, technology, and external partner groups.
• Ability to conduct research, analyse information, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, project management tools, and innovation frameworks.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Proactive, resourceful, and self-motivated individual with a strong passion for digital innovation, technology trends, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute innovation programmes and initiatives (e.g., Cathay Hackathon, incubations, Cathay Accelerate).
• Establish programme governance, trackers, reporting and stakeholder communications.
• Conduct research and analysis on emerging technologies and trends.
• Develop recommendations to support decision-making.
• Curate content and speaker series to inspire employees.
• Develop partnerships with startups, tech giants, universities, and local ecosystems.
• Oversee project management of digital initiatives including plans, budgets, resources.
• Monitor progress and coordinate with teams to align with goals.
• Collaborate with IT and Digital Experience to manage the innovation pipeline.
• Work with change champions to ensure successful delivery of projects.
• Provide thought leadership on digital innovation trends in aviation.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Agile methodologies

Data analytics

Innovation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Computer Science

Job description

Role Introduction

Role Introduction

Reports to: DGT&IT Ecosystem Partnership and Development Manager

Join Cathay's Digital Department (DGT) and play a key role in driving innovation programmes, ecosystem partnerships, and digital transformation initiatives across the Group. This role supports the development of a culture of innovation by engaging employees, industry partners, startups, and technology leaders to identify and implement new opportunities.

You will gain valuable exposure to emerging technologies, innovation programme management, startup ecosystems, and cross-functional digital projects while working with a diverse range of stakeholders across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute innovation programmes and initiatives, including Cathay Hackathon, idea incubation, Cathay Accelerate, and other ecosystem-related activities, ensuring successful delivery against programme objectives and milestones
• Establish and maintain programme governance, trackers, reporting and stakeholder communications to provide timely visibility of progress, risks, dependencies and outcomes, enabling management and leadership teams to effectively monitor, steer and make informed decisions on innovation initiatives
• Conduct research and analysis to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends, and develop recommendations to support the the DGT&IT Ecosystem Partnership and Development Manager in making decisions
• Work with ecosystem partnership team to curate contents and speaker series on innovation and emerging technologies to inspire employees in Cathay
• Develop partnerships and driving synergy within the eco-system – with the start-up community, tech giants, consultants and organisations such as local universities, Cyberport and Hong Kong Science and Technology Park
• Oversee project management of digital initiatives, including developing and managing project plans and schedules, budgets, and resources
• Monitor project progress and coordinate with project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment with business goals and milestones
• Collaborate with IT, Digital Experience, and the wider business units in managing our innovation pipeline, by understanding our customer needs and meeting them with data and technology
• Work with change champions and digital representatives across the organisation to ensure successful delivery of innovation projects
• Provide thought leadership and expert advice on digital innovation best practices and trends in the aviation industry

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Analytics, Engineering, or a related discipline
• 4-6 years of experience in Digital, Information Technology, innovation, consulting, startup ecosystems, or related fields
• Experience managing innovation programmes, digital initiatives, startup collaborations, or cross-functional projects
• Strong project management, organisation, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, data analytics, and digital platforms
• Proven stakeholder management skills with experience working across business, technology, and external partner groups
• Ability to conduct research, analyse information, and develop evidence-based recommendations
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies, project management tools, and innovation frameworks
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences
• Proactive, resourceful, and self-motivated individual with a strong passion for digital innovation, technology trends, and continuous learning

Personal & Application Information

Cathay Pacific is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our Applicant Personal Information Collection Statement and for recruitment purposes only. Candidates not notified within eight weeks may consider their application unsuccessful. We keep records of your data for no longer than is necessary for the purpose for which we obtained them and any other permitted linked purposes. If your application is unsuccessful, we will keep your details on file for as long as is necessary to process your application or for the purposes of further job opportunities if you agree to such longer periods.