Innovation Lead

London Office of Technology & Innovation (LOTI); London; Hybrid; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A London Borough Council is seeking an Innovation Lead to drive digital transformation initiatives. This role involves identifying use cases for new technologies, managing agile teams, and fostering a culture of creativity and user-centred design. Join to shape the council's digital innovation agenda with flexible working, a supportive environment, and competitive salary.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Generous holiday allowance

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Opportunity to shape digital innovation

Supportive leadership

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver digital innovation, ideally in the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of local government services and digital technologies.
• Ability to build business cases and manage agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate use cases for innovative digital technologies.
• Develop business cases and support procurement efforts.
• Champion user-centred design and ensure user needs are met.

Skills

Digital innovation

Agile project management

User-centred design

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree and/or professional certifications in agile, business analysis, or user-centred design

Job description

Innovation Lead – Champion Digital Transformation at a London Borough Council

Flexible & Hybrid Working | Drive Digital Innovation Across the Council

Salary: £60,510 ME15 Grade

Location: Council Civic Centre / Hybrid

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 24 July 25

Interviews: Week of the 28 July 25

About the Role

Are you passionate about driving digital innovation and shaping the future of public services? A leading London Borough Council is searching for a dynamic Innovation Lead to champion the adoption of new and emerging digital technologies across the organisation. Reporting to the Head of Digital & Products, you will play a pivotal role in identifying exciting technology use cases, building robust business cases, and delivering impactful change in collaboration with cross-functional agile teams.

This is a unique opportunity to spearhead digital transformation, from building business cases for AI and other innovative solutions, to managing agile delivery teams, tracking benefits realisation, and amplifying success stories council-wide. You’ll inspire a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and user-centred design—helping the council achieve its digital ambitions for residents and staff alike.

Main Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate use cases for innovative digital technologies, such as AI, to advance council priorities in line with strategic frameworks and government service design principles.
• Facilitate idea generation sessions, prioritising initiatives based on strategic alignment, feasibility, and potential impact.
• Develop business cases, support procurement, and establish delivery and support models for new digital tools and services.
• Manage cross-functional agile delivery teams and technology partners to deliver proof of concept studies, move innovations into production, and support continuous iteration and improvement.
• Champion user-centred design and service design standards, ensuring user needs and feedback are central to all solutions.
• Track benefits realisation, capture lessons learned, and share success stories to build capacity and enthusiasm for digital innovation across the council.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Digital Adoption, enterprise architecture, and wider council teams to foster a culture of innovation.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities to support innovation projects.
• Represent the council in digital communities of practice and external networks, sharing experiences and promoting council initiatives.
• Stay abreast of policy, best practice, and digital trends in local government and beyond.

What the council is looking for

• Proven ability to deliver digital innovation, ideally in the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of local government services, digital technologies, agile project management, and user-centred design.
• Ability to build business cases, manage agile teams, and deliver feasibility and proof of concept studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication skills—able to convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences and build enthusiasm for digital innovation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven experience collaborating with diverse teams and external partners.
• Track record of planning, organising, and managing multiple tasks and priorities efficiently.
• Relevant degree and/or professional certifications in agile, business analysis, or user-centred design are desirable.
• Personal attributes: Innovative, strategic, collaborative, and a true champion for digital change.

Why Join the Council?

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous holiday allowance and Local Government Pension Scheme membership
• Competitive salary and commitment to professional growth
• Opportunity to shape the digital innovation agenda at a forward-thinking London Borough Council
• Supportive leadership and a culture dedicated to creativity and collaboration

Application Process

If you’re excited by the opportunity to lead digital innovation and help shape the future of council services, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 4 pages) to Jo Cumper at [e-mail].

Want to learn more about this role and our vision for digital innovation? Arrange an informal chat to explore how you can make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse team and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Are you ready to champion digital innovation and make a lasting impact on the lives of residents and staff? If so, apply now and help us drive the digital transformation of this London Borough Council.