Innovation Lead

Fortress Safety; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension contribution up to 10.5%

Company bonus scheme

Halma share vesting scheme

Airport parking discounts

Eyecare support

Cycle to work scheme

Long service recognition

Life assurance coverage

Job summary

Fortress Safety, based in Wolverhampton, is seeking an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging technology into practical commercial opportunities.

Reporting to the Innovation Director, you will shape ideas from early exploration through validation, lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Engineering and Product, and manage the innovation pipeline for handover to delivery teams. This hybrid, permanent role offers strong benefits and a car allowance.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Product, Innovation, Business, or equivalent experience gained through relevant roles.
• Demonstrated experience working in innovation, R&D, product development, or a technically led commercial environment.
• Strong understanding of structured innovation approaches, applied pragmatically in a business context.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development and prioritisation of innovation opportunities aligned to Fortress strategy and market needs.
• Own and manage the innovation pipeline, progressing concepts from early exploration through to validated handover into Product, Engineering or other delivery teams.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies and customer insight to inform opportunity identification.
• Facilitate ideation sessions, workshops and problem-solving across the business.
• Engage with customers, partners and external bodies to validate concepts and understand emerging needs.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Structured innovation

Commercial awareness

Analytical thinking

Engineering background

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Innovation LeadWolverhampton, UK (WV4 6FB) | Hybrid – flexible working | Permanent, Full-time £75,000 – £90,000 per annum + Strong benefits + Car allowanceAbout the OpportunityFortress Safety is looking for an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable, profitable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging technology into real commercial opportunities. Reporting to the Innovation Director, you'll shape ideas from early exploration through to validation, working across the business and with external partners to keep Fortress ahead in an evolving industrial landscape. This is a chance to build something that genuinely shapes where the business goes next.What You'll Be DoingLead the identification, development and prioritisation of innovation opportunities aligned to Fortress strategy and market needsOwn and manage the innovation pipeline, progressing concepts from early exploration through to validated handover into Product, Engineering or other delivery teamsWork closely with R&D, Engineering, Product Management and Safety Services to explore feasibility, risk and value of new ideasMonitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitor activity and customer insight to inform opportunity identificationFacilitate ideation sessions, workshops and structured problem-solving activities across the businessEngage with customers, partners and external bodies to validate concepts and understand emerging needsSupport licensing, partnership and acquisition-related innovation activity where appropriateExplore adjacent-market and platform innovation, not just incremental product developmentTranslate emerging technology trends into practical, value-led opportunitiesWhat You'll BringA degree in Engineering, Product, Innovation, Business, or equivalent experience gained through relevant rolesDemonstrated experience working in innovation, R&D, product development, or a technically led commercial environmentStrong understanding of structured innovation approaches, applied pragmatically in a business contextCommercial awareness, with the ability to assess viability, value and risk alongside technical feasibilityConfidence engaging with engineering and technical teams, with the ability to challenge and influence constructivelyA proven ability to work cross-functionally and progress initiatives without formal authorityStrong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability in ambiguous environmentsNice to HaveExperience as a Controls Engineer or in a related technical disciplineWhat We Offer25 days holiday per year plus bank holidaysOption to work a 9-Day fortnight (compressed hours)Employer pension contribution of up to 10.5%Company bonus schemeAnnual Halma share vesting schemeAirport parking discountsEyecare supportCycle to work schemeLong service recognitionLife assurance coverAbout Fortress SafetySince 1977, Fortress Safety has been the expert in machinery safety and interlocking, protecting people and equipment in hazardous environments worldwide from our Wolverhampton HQ, with operations across the USA, Europe, Australia, China and India. We're proud to be part of Halma plc, a FTSE 100 company with over 8,000 colleagues across 50+ businesses globally, all united by a purpose to build a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.Inclusion & AccommodationsAt Fortress, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues, and if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process, just let us know.Apply NowReady to shape what's next for Fortress Safety? Apply today#LI-SF4 #Fortress