Innovation Lead: Turning Tech into Safer Machinery

Halma p.l.c; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

9-Day fortnight option

Pension contribution up to 10.5%

Company bonus scheme

Cycle to work

Long service recognition

Life assurance

Job summary

Fortress Safety, headquartered in Wolverhampton, seeks an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging tech into commercial opportunities. You will shape ideas from exploration to validation and work with R&D, Engineering and Product teams to ensure feasible, value-led initiatives.

Reporting to the Innovation Director, you will manage the pipeline, engage with customers and partners, and contribute to platform and licensing strategies within Fortress

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Product, Innovation, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in innovation, R&D, product development, or technically led roles.
• Understanding of structured innovation approaches and business viability.
• Commercial awareness to assess value and risk with technical feasibility.
• Ability to engage with engineering teams and influence constructively.
• Proven cross-functional collaboration without formal authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Identify and prioritise innovation opportunities aligned to Fortress strategy and market needs.
• Own and manage the innovation pipeline from exploration to validated handover to delivery teams.
• Collaborate with R&D, Engineering and Product teams to assess feasibility, risk and value.
• Monitor industry trends and customer insights to inform opportunities.
• Lead ideation sessions and workshops across the business.
• Engage with customers, partners and external bodies to validate concepts.

Job description

Fortress Safety, headquartered in Wolverhampton, seeks an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging tech into commercial opportunities. You will shape ideas from exploration to validation and work with R&D, Engineering and Product teams to ensure feasible, value-led initiatives.

Reporting to the Innovation Director, you will manage the pipeline, engage with customers and partners, and contribute to platform and licensing strategies within Fortress