Innovation Lead

Talent Acquisition I Strategic Sourcing I EVP I People and Culture - Recruiting top talent for Paper, Packaging and Advanced Materials

Shape the Future of Innovation with James Cropper

At James Cropper, we don’t just follow trends – we create them. Our Advanced Materials division is at the forefront of pioneering solutions that redefine industries. We’re looking for an Innovation Lead to join our Innovation & Customer Solutions Group and drive the next wave of market-led product and technology development.

As Innovation Lead, you’ll be the visionary guiding our innovation strategy – identifying unmet market needs, prioritising high-impact concepts, and leading projects from ideation through to technology readiness. You’ll inspire and lead a talented team, foster creativity, and build partnerships that accelerate innovation. This is your chance to position James Cropper as an industry leader and make a tangible impact on the future of advanced materials.

• Create and communicate a compelling vision for innovation aligned with our growth strategy.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, cultivating a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
• Drive platform development from concept to TRL/MRL 6 using structured stage-gate processes.
• Collaborate with Strategic Marketing to leverage market intelligence and technology trends.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders.
• Represent James Cropper externally through conferences, whitepapers, and thought leadership.

• A STEM degree and significant experience in a senior technical role.
• Proven leadership in innovation teams and experience taking products from development to commercialisation.
• Strategic thinker with strong influencing skills and commercial awareness.
• Passion for emerging technologies and a drive to shape the future.

We offer a collaborative environment where your ideas matter, and your ambition can thrive. Based in the beautiful Lake District, you’ll work in a place where innovation meets sustainability.

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• The chance to pave your career with a global leader you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We will help you save for your retirement - join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest

If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper PLC please apply today!

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Science and Manufacturing, Textile Manufacturing and Chemical Manufacturing

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

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