Innovation Project Manager

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the defence sector seeks an Innovation Project Manager to oversee innovative projects from ideation to implementation. The role involves collaboration with universities and industry partners, focusing on cutting-edge technologies. Ideal candidates will have a strong STEM background, project management experience, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of project management experience including planning and budgeting.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects from ideation to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of innovation projects, ensuring timely delivery.
• Identify relevant funding opportunities and develop project proposals.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including universities.

Skills

Adaptability

Creative Problem-Solving

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant STEM subject

Job description

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Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing rapidly, providing a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, with specialisations including software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Globally, Saab employs over 24,000 people, operating on every continent. Our partnerships with UK customers and industry enable us to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges, anticipating future threats. We invest 23% of our annual revenue into research and development, collaborating with industry and academia.

Saab is committed to providing our employees with growth and advancement opportunities. We embrace diversity and strive to create a workplace where individuals can thrive professionally, paving the way for future progression. We also value a healthy work-life balance to ensure our staff can enjoy a fulfilling life beyond work.

The Role

At Saab UK, innovation is central to our work. We constantly seek new ways to leverage cutting-edge technologies and develop solutions for future challenges.

As an Innovation Project Manager within the Innovation Programmes team, you will be at the forefront of this exciting journey. Reporting to the Head of Innovation and Technology Partnerships, you will manage the full lifecycle of innovation projects, from ideation to implementation, ensuring they deliver tangible value and align with Saab's strategic goals. Projects involve collaboration with universities, SMEs, and large industrial partners, focusing on technologies such as AI, autonomy, and underwater vehicles.

The role will be based at our Innovation Hub in White City, London.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and management of innovation and technology partnerships.
• Lead and manage a portfolio of innovation projects, ensuring timely, within-budget delivery of high standards.
• Communicate project status effectively to stakeholders with regular updates and reports.
• Identify relevant funding opportunities.
• Develop and refine project proposals with clear objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resources.
• Assess emerging technologies and trends relevant to Saab, identifying innovation opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Engineering, Marketing & Sales.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including universities and research institutions, to foster collaboration.

Experience & Qualifications

• Adaptability to change, quick learning, and comfort with ambiguity.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Technical acumen in STEM fields; a solid understanding of core technologies relevant to Saab’s business is beneficial for evaluating project feasibility and communicating with technical teams.
• Passion for innovation and understanding of the innovation process.
• Proven experience managing complex technical projects from ideation to implementation.
• At least 2 years of project management experience including planning, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Master’s degree (MSc/MEng or equivalent) in a relevant STEM subject.
• Experience in the defence or security industry.
• Grant and bid writing experience.
• Business case development skills.
• Influencing and negotiation abilities.

Join us and make a real difference by helping to keep People and Society Safe!

By submitting an application to Saab UK, you consent to workforce screening activities including but not limited to: security checks, vetting, reference verification, and confirmation of work rights. Successful candidates will undergo a security interview.