Innovation Manager

Overview

Innovation Manager – reporting to the Technical and Assurance Director – will lead the development of innovative solutions to customer problems, enabling customer success. The role is based in London, Greater London, United Kingdom (On‑Site) and requires regular travel.

• Identify and deliver targeted innovation activities aligned with business goals and objectives
• Prioritise innovation opportunities based on forecast returns
• Secure funding for innovation activities from external and internal sources
• Deliver the targeted outcomes from innovation activities (technical, exploitation, commercial, financial)
• Identify and engage SME's as appropriate
• Establish links and relationships with key customers and UK Rail professional innovation network
• Establish links and relationships with SMEs and academia re complementary technologies and capabilities
• Close collaboration with Product Line Managers, Product Line Architects, Product Owners, Culture Captains/Coaches
• Close collaboration with business units worldwide
• Close collaboration with bid and project Solution Engineering Managers and Project Design Authorities where applicable
• Active contributor to the whole Engineering and Technical team

• Implementation of Project, Product, and Innovation Management practices
• Contract Management
• Prototyping and Experimentation – capable of developing proof‑of‑concepts and minimum viable products
• Bid and Financial Management, including the necessary financial acumen to develop work cost estimates and navigate complex funder requirements
• Intellectual Property Management
• Critical Thinking – can demonstrate Creative Problem Solving techniques and understanding of Design Thinking principles

• Strong stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills
• Build relationships at all levels and influence decision makers
• Build beneficial and collaborative relationships with external organisations, customer bodies, and funders
• Lead, manage, mentor and coach a diverse matrix‑managed team
• Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to work with uncertainty

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, Innovation Management or related topic area

• Market‑leading training and development opportunities
• Mentorship and coaching from industry experts
• Flexible working patterns, including part‑time, job sharing, home working, or adjustable start and finish times

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.