Europe Innovation Lead: Scouting, Partnerships & Growth

Nippon Sanso Europe; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses & incentives

Flexible schedule

Hybrid work model

Home office policy

29 days off + holidays

Sustainability focus

Job summary

Nippon Sanso Europe seeks an Innovation Manager to strengthen the European pipeline by identifying and accelerating new technologies, business models and partnerships. You will act as a central connector across European business units, R&D teams and external ecosystems to create measurable business value.

Based in Madrid, the role reports to the Innovation Program Director and requires regular travel across Europe. Fluency in English is mandatory with additional languages a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, industrial technology, business administration, innovation management or related field.
• 8+ years in innovation management, R&D, or corporate venturing with cross‑regional exposure.
• Fluent English; other European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Front End Innovation activities across Europe by evaluating early-stage ideas and market trends.
• Establish a structured scouting process for technologies, startups, and academia.
• Screen external opportunities using clear strategic and financial criteria.
• Collaborate with R&D, business units, sales, marketing, and operations to validate opportunities.

Skills

Innovation mindset

Strategic scouting

Analytical judgment

Business acumen

Technical curiosity

Stakeholder management

Project shaping

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/chemistry/industrial tech

MBA or advanced degree a plus

Job description

Nippon Sanso Europe seeks an Innovation Manager to strengthen the European pipeline by identifying and accelerating new technologies, business models and partnerships. You will act as a central connector across European business units, R&D teams and external ecosystems to create measurable business value.

Based in Madrid, the role reports to the Innovation Program Director and requires regular travel across Europe. Fluency in English is mandatory with additional languages a plus.