R&D External Innovation Professional

This role is to have a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Data Manager who will be responsible for managing and optimizing our leads management system (LMS) CRM system, along with other key software and data systems that support our innovation initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in stakeholder collaboration with respect to database management, data analysis, and multiple enterprise software platforms, with a keen interest in fostering external partnerships and driving innovation.The roles and responsibilities include:

• Oversee the daily operations of the LMS (CRM) system.
• Actively contribute in customizing and configuring the LMS platform, implement LMS workflows, dashboards, and reports to streamline processes and improve data visibility.
• Analyze LMS and other data to provide insights, regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D Stakeholders, IT and with external partners and vendors to ensure seamless data exchange, integration and communication.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the functionality and user experience of LMS and other software systems.
• Provide training and support in issue troubleshooting to team members and stakeholders on LMS and other softwares (including project management tools, data analytics software, and communication platforms)
• Ensure data compliance with data protection regulations and company policies and documentation of the process

Functional Responsibilities:

CRM Management:

• Oversee the daily operations of the LMS system, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and security.
• Customize and configure the LMS platform to meet the specific needs of the External Innovation Team.
• Contribute with all the functional and technical aspects to develop and implement LMS workflows, dashboards, and reports to streamline processes and improve data visibility.
• Assessing overall CRM user experience including bulk upload, adding files, tracking source, assigning owners/business unit, set status, track communication notes, providing smart search options with key words, import export ability from different sources into CRM DB.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Analyze LMS and other data to provide insights and recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
• Help with all the insignts/ data understanding/ functional and technical specifications gathered from all the sources to generate and distribute regular reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to external innovation activities.
• Understand R&D technical needs and correlate the data and insights for timely inputs to internal stakeholders

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D Stakeholders and IT, to integrate LMS data with other business systems.
• Work closely with external partners and vendors to ensure seamless data exchange and communication.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to enhance the functionality and user experience of LMS and other software systems.
• Develop and implement best practices for data entry, maintenance, and management within the LMS and other software systems

Training & Support:

• Provide training and support to team members and stakeholders on LMS and other software processes and best practices.
• Troubleshoot software-related issues and work with technical support to resolve them promptly.

Software Integration & Management:

• Manage and oversee additional software platforms used by the External Innovation Team, including project management tools, data analytics software, and communication platforms.
• Ensure that all software systems are integrated seamlessly to support the team's objectives and workflows.

Data Governance & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and company policies across all software and data systems.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of processes, configurations, and changes for LMS and other software systems.

Innovation Support:

• Assist in identifying and implementing new software solutions that can enhance the teams capabilities and innovation potential.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to recommend new tools and systems.

LMS (CRM) strategy delivery:

• Support Process Improvement , simplification, standardization and digitalization efforts. Develop and implement best practices for data entry, maintenance, and management within the LMS and other software systems.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in CRM database management and other enterprise software platforms, preferably within an innovation or technology-driven environment.
• Proven experience with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics, and familiarity with project management and data analytics tools.
• Language: Excellent communication (English)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in SQL, data manipulation tools, and other relevant software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Working knowledge of various CRM softwares/ tools which uses APIs to direct connect with external sources.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and best practices

Education::

• Bachelors degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field. A masters degree is a plus.
• STEM background who understands the business processes preferably within an innovation or technology-driven environment.
• Good to have - Working experience of CRM tool migration from one platform to another, experience of working either at client side in R&D FMCG space, or within the R&D team of leading CPG companies in external innovation space
• Strong collaborator; Interested and motivated by working with others. Actively creates and participates in opportunities to co-create solutions across markets or brands; will be willing and able to embrace Responsive Ways of Working

Essential:

• World-class stakeholder management skills Internal and External
• Solution-oriented approach to problem solving
• Ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities to gain efficiencies and improve process & deliverables
• Deep understanding of various CRM system management and connected softwares.
• Strong understanding of internal & external data sources that could contribute to the reporting and analysis function.
• Flexible working hours (work day ends at 11:30 am CST)
• In depth Experience in CRM tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Microsoft Dynamics, and familiarity with project management and data analytics tools.
• Knowledge of external innovation ecosystem and associated industry dynamics