Innovation Lead: AI, Automation & Tech Strategy

Rullion; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rullion is seeking an experienced Innovation Manager to lead the identification, development, and delivery of technology-driven innovation opportunities. You will shape the innovation pipeline, drive adoption of emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that enhance customer experience and business performance.

The role requires a hands-on technology leader who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery, collaborating with senior stakeholders, Product Owners, and tech teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading innovation or technology transformation in a large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of AI, automation and digital technologies in business contexts.
• Experience delivering pilots, PoCs and technology adoption programmes.
• Strong commercial sense with ability to create data-driven investment cases.
• Excellent stakeholder management and senior leadership influence.
• Understanding governance, risk, security, and compliance for emerging tech.

Responsibilities

• Lead the I&C Technology Innovation function and deliver a prioritised pipeline aligned to business strategy.
• Act as the primary technology innovation lead for AI, automation and emerging tech across the I&C business.
• Develop and execute a portfolio of innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation and productisation.
• Create ROI-based business cases to demonstrate value of new technologies and investments.
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify trends, opportunities, and potential disruptors.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify pain points and innovative solutions that meet strategic objectives.
• Promote safe, secure, and compliant adoption of AI and innovation practices with governance in mind.
• Build and manage relationships with external partners and technology providers.
• Monitor and measure impact of initiatives using performance metrics and feedback for continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, share insights, run workshops, and promote new ways of working.
• Communicate innovation achievements internally and externally to strengthen capability and thought leadership.
• Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to investment plans, roadmaps and future technology strategies.

Skills

Innovation leadership

AI & automation

Portfolio management

Business case development

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Governance & compliance

Data-driven decision making

Communication & presentation

Collaboration

Energy/utilities industry

Job description

Rullion is seeking an experienced Innovation Manager to lead the identification, development, and delivery of technology-driven innovation opportunities. You will shape the innovation pipeline, drive adoption of emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that enhance customer experience and business performance.

The role requires a hands-on technology leader who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery, collaborating with senior stakeholders, Product Owners, and tech teams.