Innovation Manager

Cancer Research UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an established charity dedicated to beating cancer as an Innovation Manager. In this pivotal role, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and launch innovative fundraising strategies. Your insights will drive long-term income growth, ensuring that the organization can continue its vital work in cancer research. With a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, you'll have the opportunity to grow your career while making a significant impact. If you're passionate about innovation and want to contribute to a meaningful cause, this role is your chance to shine.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Opportunities for career development

Work-life balance policies

High-quality tools and resources

Qualifications

• Proven experience in innovation with tangible results.
• Strong ability to analyze data and generate new ideas.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of new propositions and initiatives.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities.

Skills

Innovation Management

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Design Thinking

Agile Methodologies

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Professional Experience

Job description

Time left to apply: End Date: May 17, 2025 (13 days left to apply)

Job requisition ID: R031041

Big ideas. Lifelong connections. One objective.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found. We strongly recommend applying early. Please contact [e-mail] or 020 3469 8400 for any questions or if adjustments are needed to support your application.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK. We cannot offer visa sponsorship.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, aiming to beat cancer every day. We are seeking a talented individual eager to develop their skills and make a difference.

Ranked 12th Best Employer in the UK by the Financial Times, we are looking for a standout leader to join our new Innovation team as Innovation Manager (externally known as Proposition Manager). Ready to make a difference?

This role involves collaborating with the Director of Innovation to establish a new team within the Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement directorate, shaping strategy, and building a pipeline of innovative projects. Your goal is to understand audience needs deeply and leverage this understanding to drive long-term income growth from mass audiences. You will also work with cross-functional teams, internal stakeholders, and external partners to deliver successful projects, surrounded by people dedicated to beating cancer.

What will I be doing?

1. Leading the development and delivery of new propositions, offerings, and initiatives from idea generation to launch.
2. Partnering with insights and service design teams to conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, audience behaviors, and fundraising opportunities.
3. Collaborating with cross-functional teams in MFE and PIC, plus stakeholders across the business, to design and test innovation concepts.
4. Developing and implementing experimentation frameworks, including rapid prototyping and A/B testing, to validate ideas.
5. Building strong relationships with external partners, including agencies and industry experts, to bring fresh perspectives and capabilities to fundraising innovation.
6. Securing internal buy-in for new ideas by preparing compelling business cases and presentations for senior stakeholders.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience in innovation, delivering tangible, commercial results with a hands-on approach.
• Experience working with insights teams.
• Ability to analyze data and iterate based on insights.
• Strong ability to generate, evaluate, and execute new ideas, using data and user insights.
• Experience with design thinking, agile methodologies, or lean innovation processes.
• Good stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across complex structures.
• Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple initiatives and prioritizing effectively.
• Experience in design thinking or human-centered design.

Our organization values

• Bold: Act with ambition, courage, and determination.
• Credible: Act with rigor and professionalism.
• Human: Act to have a positive impact on people.
• Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.

We seek candidates who embody these values to advance our mission to beat cancer. If you're interested but unsure if you have the right skills, we still encourage you to apply.

What will I gain?

We offer a supportive working environment, a generous benefits package, opportunities for career and personal development, and high-quality tools. Our policies foster work-life balance and personal wellbeing.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required but not viewed until interview invitation. Complete the work history section of the online application for fair assessment.

Our vision is to create a welcoming charity where everyone feels they belong, benefits from, and participates in our work. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly ethnic minorities.

Please inform us of any needs or adjustments to support your application or work experience. Contact [e-mail] or 020 3469 8400 promptly.

We do not recruit individuals under 18 to ensure safety and safeguarding.

About Us

As the world’s largest independent cancer research charity, we focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Our goal is to see 3 in 4 people survive cancer by 2034. Our staff are key to this mission. Join us to make a difference and grow your career in a collaborative environment.