Innovation Manager

Reporting to the Technical and Assurance Director, the Innovation Manager will lead the development of innovative solutions that support customer success and align with Hitachi Rail’s strategic goals.

Location:

London, Greater London, United Kingdom (On‑Site with hybrid work model requiring 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 (technical, exploitation, commercial, financial).
• Identify and engage SME’s as appropriate.
• Establish links and relationships with key customers and the 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 necessary financial acumen to develop work cost estimates and navigate complex funder requirements.
• Intellectual Property Management.
• Critical Thinking – 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 ability to work with uncertainty.

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

We provide an environment to grow to your full potential through market‑leading training, development and experiences, along with mentoring and coaching by industry leaders.

• Flexible work arrangements: part‑time, job sharing, home working, flex start and finish times.
• Work pattern that suits your lifestyle to help you reach ambitions.

Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance, which might involve further evidence to be provided. Refer to the UK Government website for details.

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and worldview and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.