Research, Development & Innovation Manager

Oman Investment Authority; Muscat; On-site; OMR 9,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

Oman Investment Authority seeks an experienced RDI Manager to drive AI and digital innovation across its mining exploration activities. The role identifies AI applications, evaluates tools, and pilots new technologies to improve efficiency and decision making.

You will coordinate with geology, exploration and mining teams, draft functional requirements, and lead pilots from concept to rollout while ensuring data security and governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geology, mining engineering, geomatics or related field; mastery knowledge in AI technology is a must.
• Minimum 7 years of experience; involvement in at least one tech/digital improvement project; experience with mining or geological software.

Responsibilities

• AI and innovation: identify practical uses of AI across the business; evaluate tools for accuracy and security; run awareness sessions and training.
• Technology research and evaluation: monitor trends in mining tech; compare vendors; prepare recommendation reports.
• Pilots and trials: plan and run pilot projects with clear objectives and measures; document results and decide on adoption or extension.
• Analysis and reporting: prepare business cases; analyze data and present findings using Excel and BI tools; write technical reports for management.
• Requirements and coordination: gather needs from geology/mining teams and write functional requirements for AI & Innovation vendors; support testing and adoption of new systems.

Skills

AI tools

Project management

Data concepts

Requirements drafting

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology/mining/geomatics or related field

Tools

Mining software

Job description

Location

Muscat

Reporting to

Chief Corporate amp Sustainability Officer

Role Objective

The RDI Manager finds tests and introduces new technologies that improve how the company explores and mines minerals The role identifies where artificial intelligence and digital tools can cut costs save time or improve decisions then proves the value through pilots before the company invests The Manager is the link between the different business areas and disciplines in promoting the utilization of disruptive technologies artificial intelligence and innovation to cater for different business needs especially in exploration and mining activities

Duties and Responsibilities

AI and innovation

Identify practical uses of AI across the business such as exploration targeting core and image analysis predictive maintenance document search and reporting Evaluate AI tools and platforms for accuracy cost data security and fit with company systems and recommend which to adopt Maintain an innovation pipeline collect ideas from all departments score them on value and effort and present a shortlist to management Draft guidelines for the responsible use of AI covering confidential geological data vendor terms and human review of AI outputs Run awareness sessions and short training so staff can use approved AI tools in their daily work

Technology research and evaluation

Monitor technology trends in mining and exploration including remote sensing drones sensors automation and exploration software Compare vendors and solutions against defined criteria and prepare recommendation reports Build relationships with technology suppliers technology partners universities and research bodies

Pilots and trials

Plan and run pilot projects with clear objectives timelines budgets and measures to succeed Document results and recommend whether to adopt extend or stop each trial Support the handover of successful pilots to IT and operations for full rollout

Analysis and reporting

Prepare business cases and feasibility studies covering cost benefit and risk Analyze data and present findings using Excel and Power BI or similar tools Write clear technical reports and present them to management

Requirements and coordination

Gather needs from geology exploration and mining operation teams and write functional requirements for AI amp Innovation vendors Support user testing training and adoption of new systems and technologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in geology, mining engineering, geomatics or a related field, mastery knowledge in use of AI technology is must.

Experience

Minimum 7 years of experience. Involvement in at least one technology, digital or process improvement project. Experience with at least one mining or geological software package. Good written and spoken English.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Hands-on use of AI tools in a work setting, or a short course or certificate in AI, data analytics or digital transformation.
• Project management training or certification.
• Understands data concepts: databases, data quality, and how exploration and production data are structured.
• Able to write functional requirements, business cases and technical reports.

Behavioural

• Curious and self-driven; keeps up with new technology.
• Analytical and evidence-based; reports honestly when a trial does not work.
• Explain technical subjects clearly to non-technical managers.
• Build trust with geologists, engineers and site teams.
• Organized; can run several small projects at once.