Innovation Manager

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

Office address: 2 Prince's Way, Solihull, B91 3ES

We're seeking an experienced Innovation Manager to lead the identification, development, and delivery of technology-driven innovation opportunities across our client's business. This role will be responsible for shaping and managing the innovation pipeline, driving the adoption of emerging technologies, and delivering solutions that enhance customer experience, improve business performance, and create competitive advantage for the organisation.

We are looking for a forward-thinking and hands-on technology leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can combine strategic vision with practical delivery. Working closely with senior stakeholders, Product Owners, and technology teams, you will evaluate emerging technologies, build compelling business cases, and lead innovation initiatives from concept through to implementation. This role offers the opportunity to influence business strategy, champion AI and automation, and foster a culture of innovation across the organisation.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the I&C Technology Innovation function, developing and delivering a prioritised pipeline of innovation opportunities aligned to business strategy.
• Act as the primary technology innovation lead for AI, automation, and emerging technologies across the I&C business.
• Develop and execute a portfolio of innovation initiatives from ideation and experimentation through to implementation and productisation.
• Create and present compelling ROI-based business cases that demonstrate the value of new technologies and innovation investments.
• Conduct horizon scanning across the technology and utilities sectors to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and potential disruptors.
• Collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to identify pain points, opportunities, and innovative solutions that support strategic objectives.
• Promote safe, secure, and compliant adoption of AI and innovation practices, ensuring alignment with governance, risk, and compliance requirements.
• Build and manage relationships with external partners, technology providers, and innovation ecosystems to maximise access to emerging technologies and expertise.
• Monitor and measure the impact of innovation initiatives, using performance metrics and feedback mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation by promoting best practice, facilitating workshops, sharing insights, and championing new ways of working.
• Communicate and showcase innovation achievements internally and externally to strengthen organisational capability and thought leadership.
• Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to the development of innovation investment plans, roadmaps, and future technology strategies.

Skills:

• Proven experience leading innovation, technology transformation, or emerging technology initiatives within a large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of AI, automation, digital technologies, and their application within business environments.
• Demonstrable success delivering innovative solutions that create measurable value for customers and stakeholders.
• Experience developing and managing innovation portfolios, proof-of-concepts, pilots, and technology adoption programmes.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to assess opportunities, manage risk, and develop data-driven investment cases.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior leaders across business and technology functions.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk management, security, and compliance considerations associated with emerging technologies.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to challenge the status quo while remaining focused on practical business outcomes.
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and customer-focused, with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Experience within the energy, utilities, or regulated sectors would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, third-party suppliers, and technology partners.

Please note:

Should your application be successful, and you are offered the role, a number of pre-employment checks need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any assignment offer with our client will be subject to a satisfactory checking report from the Disclosure Barring Service.

This vacancy is being advertised by Rullion Ltd acting as an employment business.

Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.

We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.