Innovation And Emerging Technologies Manager

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal College of Art seeks an ambitious Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager to shape and deliver the institution's innovation agenda during a pivotal 5-year strategy period.

You will lead the development of a forward-looking roadmap for innovation, prioritising AI, quantum computing and sustainable tech, while ensuring value creation through assets, infrastructure and products across the College and wider community.

Qualifications

• Shaping and delivering innovation strategy within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of innovation frameworks and their practical application.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Creative, resilient problem-solver in ambiguous environments.
• Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to institutional strategy formation, aligning innovation priorities with the College's vision and external opportunities.
• Develop and manage a diverse innovation pipeline—from ideation to pilots.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative, experimental culture.
• Investigate complex, institution-wide challenges and present evidence-based solutions to senior leadership.
• Build compelling cases for change, balancing risk and reward across a portfolio.
• Establish frameworks and metrics to evaluate impact, efficiency, and return on innovation investment.
• Champion innovation across the College, engaging staff, students, suppliers, and external partners.
• Build networks with peer institutions and sector bodies to advance the College's innovation interests.
• Oversee projects using Design Thinking, Agile, and Lean Startup with structured experimentation.

Skills

Innovation strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Change management

Design Thinking

AI/ Emerging tech literacy

Education

Level 6 qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager to shape and deliver the College's innovation agenda at a pivotal time in our 5-year strategy.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for developing and executing a clear, forward-looking roadmap for innovation, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies. You will ensure our technology assets, infrastructure, and products are leveraged to create measurable value for the College and its wider community.

About the Role

Reporting at a senior level, you will:

• Contribute to institutional strategy formation, aligning innovation priorities with the College's vision and external opportunities.
• Develop and manage a diverse innovation pipeline - from ideation and incubation through to prototyping and pilot delivery.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative, experimental culture that embraces intelligent and fast failure.
• Investigate complex, institution-wide challenges and present creative, evidence-based solutions to senior leadership.
• Build compelling cases for change, balancing risk and reward across a managed portfolio of initiatives.
• Establish clear frameworks and metrics to evaluate impact, efficiency, and return on innovation investment.
• Champion innovation across the College, engaging staff, students, suppliers, and external partners in an active ecosystem.
• Build networks with peer institutions and sector bodies to represent and advance the College's innovation interests.

You will oversee projects using methodologies such as Design Thinking, Agile, and Lean Startup, ensuring structured experimentation and timely delivery.

About You

• Proven experience shaping and delivering innovation strategy within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of innovation frameworks and their practical application.
• A confident understanding of emerging technologies and the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A creative, resilient approach to problem-solving in ambiguous environments.
• A Level 6 qualification (or equivalent experience).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a visible and influential role in positioning the College at the forefront of innovation and emerging technology.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 23rd September 2026

Interview are expected to take place w/c 5th October 2026