Innovation Lead – Longevity & Human‑Centered Design

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Newcastle University’s UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) is seeking a Senior Innovation Consultant for a maternity cover until November 2027. The role delivers innovation projects for ageing longevity and works with a multidisciplinary team to translate insights into client outputs.

You will lead scoping, trend analysis and client relationships, drawing on market signals and the Voice® citizen insight network to craft high‑quality deliverables and maintain strong partnerships.

Qualifications

• Experience of trend scouting, market landscape, innovation scenarios.
• Experience building relationships with commercial clients.
• Experience leading discovery sessions to translate needs into proposals.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams to deliver outputs.
• Excellent planning, organisational and project management skills.
• Experience applying human-centred design methods with older adults.
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences, in person or remotely.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with IT programmes, especially Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience in using AI tools and prompt writing.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead scoping and discovery sessions to address client needs in healthy longevity.
• Work with Legal and Finance to cost and contract proposals.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead on project delivery, planning and toolkit creation for each phase.
• Line manage Innovation Consultants within the team.
• Lead trend scouting and market analysis to identify opportunities.
• Supervise desk and AI-based research using a wide set of resources.
• Manage a portfolio of projects with budget and milestone oversight.
• Ensure projects are delivered on cost and on time.
• Communicate progress with clients as the main contact point.
• Facilitate interviews, workshops and citizen panels to gather insights.
• Produce outputs, reports and case studies with key findings.
• Lead project reviews and apply lessons learned to future work.
• Provide content for media and communications teams.

Skills

Trend scouting

Client relationships

Project management

Human-centred design

Analytical skills

MS Office

Adobe Creative Suite

AI prompt writing

Travel willingness

Education

Degree in innovation/design

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

AI tools

Job description

Newcastle University’s UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) is seeking a Senior Innovation Consultant for a maternity cover until November 2027. The role delivers innovation projects for ageing longevity and works with a multidisciplinary team to translate insights into client outputs.

You will lead scoping, trend analysis and client relationships, drawing on market signals and the Voice® citizen insight network to craft high‑quality deliverables and maintain strong partnerships.