Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation

Description

Summary: The Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation leads and coordinates SUPSI’s digital transformation and organizational innovation processes. Highlights: 1. Strategic and highly visible role with impact on institutional transformation 2. Stimulating, innovation-oriented work environment 3. Opportunities for professional development and access to the Swiss university network May 12, 2026 XThe University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is advertising the position of **Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation**, with a 100% workload, starting on October 1, 2026, or a mutually agreed date. The main workplace is in Manno. SUPSI fulfils its mandates in basic education, continuing education, applied research, development, and knowledge transfer across multiple disciplinary fields: natural and built environment, design, business economics, social work, health, teacher education, music, theatre, and innovative technologies. Scope and purpose of the position The **Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation** leads and coordinates SUPSI’s digital transformation and organizational innovation processes. This role translates strategic vision into high-impact, concrete initiatives, supporting the university in adopting new technologies, processes, and organizational models capable of strengthening teaching, research, and services. Within a cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary organization, this role works closely with departments, institutional mandates, and administrative services, chairs the SUPSI Innovation Board, and collaborates with the Change Management Lead to ensure technological and organizational coherence. Key responsibilities The Head of Innovation and Digital Transformation: * defines and develops the digital innovation roadmap aligned with the university’s strategy, manages the project portfolio, and balances short- and long-term initiatives; * identifies opportunities for improvement in academic and administrative processes, translating them into scalable projects with clear impact and sustainability indicators; * coordinates implementation of complex projects with cross-functional teams, integrating IT, academic, and administrative expertise; * builds, maintains, and leverages relationships with internal clients, gathers and manages their requirements, and serves as the privileged interface between operational needs and digital solutions; * promotes cultural and organizational change, fostering the adoption of a widespread, inclusive, and sustainable digital mindset across the SUPSI community; * monitors technological trends and best practices in higher education, facilitating partnerships with universities, institutions, and enterprises. Required profile The ideal candidate: * holds a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, computer science, or related disciplines; a Master’s or executive program in innovation, digital transformation, or change management is considered an asset; * has several years’ experience (7–10 years) in innovation, digital transformation, or organizational development roles within complex, knowledge-intensive contexts—preferably in universities or public institutions; * has successfully led change management and digitalization initiatives in environments with strong cultural and organizational components; * demonstrates collaborative leadership, cross-functional influence, and the ability to engage effectively with technical, academic, and administrative stakeholders; * possesses excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills in multidisciplinary environments; * is a native Italian speaker, with good command of German and French, as well as English; * has experience with ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics AX is considered an asset; * brings to the role a professional trajectory that integrates solid technical expertise and managerial capabilities, underpinned by strong strategic vision. We offer A strategic and highly visible role with real impact on the transformation of a university institution undergoing dynamic evolution. A stimulating, innovation-oriented, and people-focused work environment, offering professional development opportunities and access to the Swiss university network (swissuniversities). Employment conditions comply with current SUPSI regulations and directives. Application Additional information may be requested from Matteo Marini, Strategic ICT Consultant (matteo.marini@supsi.ch). For application purposes, the following documents—written in Italian—must be attached: * Motivation letter * Curriculum Vitae * Academic transcripts and diplomas * Employment certificates * References Only applications submitted by **June 2, 2026** will be considered. Incomplete applications, those sent to other email addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be accepted.