Innovation Lead Co-ordinator; Maternity Cover

This role is a maternity cover - starting late September 2026

Providing leadership to ensure the smooth operations of the Innovation & Future Technologies (IFT), IFT UK & Future Technologies Watch & Open Innovation functions (FTOI). The role will lead or provide support to key IFT Group and UK initiatives, such as;
Scientific Council, Technology Watch, Corporate Venture Capital Investment (CVC), Innovation Week, Innovation Agents Community Management and Events, IFT Seminars & Team Events, UK Innovation Spaces Development and Management, Idea Challenges Organisation, Innovation Communications, IFT Roadshows and Hubs.

Salary :
Circa £35,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working : A blended approach to onsite and remote working subject to workload classification

Security Clearance :
British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

• Company bonus :
  Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension : maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave:
  Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working:
  We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave
  -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities :
  Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more...

Reporting to the Head of Group Future Technologies Watch & Innovation UK. Provide Assistance to:
Group Director for Innovation & Future Technologies (IFT), to co-ordinate the leadership team and activities. Head of Group Future Technologies Watch & Open Innovation (FTOI) to drive and co-ordinate the Technology Watch & Open Innovation activities. UK Lead for Innovation & Future Technologies, to drive Innovation activities in the UK.

• Support the development and execution of the IFT strategy, including engagement and coordination of the overall MBDA Innovation activities and actions.
• Lead the implementation of the IFT & IFT UK operating model.
• Generate presentations, track actions and objectives, and help to maintain the strategic view of the function
• Generate and maintain a close working relationship with domestic and international stakeholders, both internal and external to MBDA
• Ensure the IFT communications and engagement agenda is co-ordinated & fully aligned
• Leading on activities to develop IFT team engagement
• Be an ambassador for the IFT Team
• Work externally to find best practices & promote internal IFT practices
• Lead special projects, initiatives and key activities as required

• The ability to be curious and respectfully challenge stakeholders to understand deeply the strategic context: 'the why'.
• Experience working in an international environment with different complexities and needs.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to drive change & understand complex challenges
• Ability to Communicate at all levels effectively and able to influence/negotiate to achieve the desired deliverable outcome (including senior leaders)
• People management capability to delegate tasks and coach effectively
• Ability to solve problems in challenging situations & work well under pressure
• Proven experience of supporting senior executives within a high paced environment
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• High level of flexibility, adaptability and growth mind-set
• The ability to multitask and prioritise an ever-changing workload
• Exceptional stakeholder management
• Ability to manage and deliver projects successfully
• Passion for improvement & willingness to experiment

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