Global Head of Innovation

Lightsource bp Powered By Hassan Allam; City Of London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in London is seeking a Global Head of Innovation to drive technological advancements in renewable energy solutions. This role focuses on the development and integration of innovative projects across the APAC market, ensuring the company's leadership in sustainability and clean energy transition. Candidates should possess a strong background in electrical or renewable energy engineering and a minimum of 7 years in the sector, particularly in R&D or innovation roles.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Health insurance

Pension

Sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, with 3 years in innovation or R&D roles.
• Proven expertise in renewable energy technologies such as solar PV or wind turbines.
• Experience managing renewable technology projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation projects across all LSbp jurisdictions.
• Manage APAC innovation team and budget.
• Represent LSbp at industry events and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent project management

Effective communicator

Collaborative mindset

Leadership qualities

Passionate about sustainability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Post graduate degree (PhD or Master’s)

Tools

Technical modelling software

Simulation software

Job description

Overview

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What You’ll Do (the Role)

The Lightsource bp (LSbp) Innovation Team delivers technical innovation projects and provides support across all areas of the global organization and business activities.

As a Global Head of Innovation your role will lead and drive the development and integration of innovative renewable energy technologies and solutions across all LSbp jurisdictions with additional innovation management responsibility in the APAC market.

The role focuses on advancing cutting-edge engineering approaches and technologies that enhance the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hybrid systems.

This position plays a critical part in shaping the future technology roadmap and supporting the company’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy transition.

The goal of the Innovation group is to ensure that Lightsource bp remains at the forefront on renewable energy technologies relevant to the company’s forward strategic goals. The innovation engineering team focuses on enabling the industrialization and field trials of renewables disruptive technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent LSbp innovation team and projects at executive level both internally and with relevant third parties
• Identify, devise, implement, resource, supervise and deliver relevant renewable energy innovation projects and programmes
• Management of APAC innovation activity and budget
• Line management of APAC team members
• Contribute to technology and innovation strategy development and delivery
• Provide subject matter expertise to other teams and management
• Internal communications (dissemination of learnings, transfer of technologies into day to day business operation and reporting up to board level)
• External communications and representation (i.e. with collaborative partners, regulatory bodies, research agencies, technology providers, consultants, parent company)
• Integration and interface between innovation and adjacent functions (e.g. operations, Engineering Centre of Excellence (ECE), asset management and performance, planning, sustainability)
• Maintain industry network and strategic view of technological and market development

Wider role

• Act as a Health and Safety champion, complying with and promoting Lightsource bp process and procedures
• Support Failure / Root Cause analysis activities and input to resolution of technology, construction quality and performance issues
• Represent Lightsource bp externally at industry events
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship within Lightsource bp to junior engineers and team members, fostering skills development and knowledge sharing.

Knowledge / Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, including at least 3 years focusing on innovation, R&D, or advanced engineering roles in construction and operations.
• Proven expertise in one or more renewable energy technologies such as solar PV, wind turbines, energy storage, or hybrid systems.
• Experience using technical modelling and simulation software relevant to renewable energy system design and performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in initiating and managing renewable technology projects from concept through testing to commercial implementation.
• Familiarity with system integration challenges and solutions in the context of renewable energy assets.

Advantageous

• Post graduate degree (PhD or Master’s)
• Extensive network across a range of renewable relevant sources with knowledge of industry main stakeholders (Technical Advisors, investors, EPCs, Third Parties lab…)
• Previous engagement with utilities, regulators, and research bodies

Work Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently troubleshoot complex engineering challenges.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities, capable of handling multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Effective communicator, able to liaise with technical and non-technical stakeholders clearly and persuasively.
• Collaborative mindset with proven ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and external partnerships.
• Forward-thinking and adaptable, staying current with latest innovations and industry best practices.
• Passionate about sustainability and committed to advancing renewable energy solutions
• Leadership qualities with experience mentoring junior team members and guiding technical discussion

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.