Position Title:  Senior Manager Ecosystem Open Innovation Hub

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Ecosystem Open Innovation Hub to drive external innovation partnerships that support the development of new products, technologies, and business opportunities for PMI. In this role, you will collaborate with senior leaders across R&D, Product Development, Operations, Legal, Finance, and Procurement to identify, source, and manage innovation partners that accelerate PMI’s growth and Smoke-Free Vision.

You will lead end-to-end sourcing, contracting, supplier relationship management, and innovation ecosystem engagement, ensuring optimal cost, quality, speed, risk management, and return on investment. Success in this role requires strategic thinking, procurement expertise, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with R&D, Product, and Operations teams to understand innovation pipelines, priorities, timelines, and business needs.
• Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and contract with innovation partners, suppliers, startups, research institutes, and service providers.
• Lead sourcing and procurement activities from requirements definition through supplier onboarding and project launch.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that balance agility, cost, quality, supply security, sustainability, and long-term partnership potential.
• Monitor industry trends, innovation ecosystems, and emerging technologies to anticipate business needs and identify high-potential partners.
• Manage supplier performance through clear deliverables, governance, performance reviews, and strategic relationship management programs.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and collaborate with Legal to establish efficient contract structures while protecting PMI’s interests, including intellectual property rights.
• Manage budgets, optimize spend, and ensure procurement decisions support both short- and long-term business objectives.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and contribute to digital procurement solutions that improve sourcing, contracting, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, sustainability objectives, business ethics standards, audit requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Promote collaboration between PMI and external innovation partners by facilitating productive relationships across diverse organizational cultures.
• Contribute to capability building through knowledge sharing, coaching, continuous learning, and professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience supporting new product introduction (NPI), technology commercialization, product development, or innovation-focused procurement.
• Procurement experience within fast-paced multinational organizations; experience supporting R&D, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, consumer products, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Strong sourcing, supplier management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience managing projects, resolving complex issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of financial analysis, intellectual property considerations, quality standards, and risk management.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead initiatives in ambiguous environments while maintaining ownership and delivering results.
• Familiarity with procurement and enterprise systems such as SAP, Microsoft applications, P2P platforms, Scout, and Sievo is preferred.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.