Strategic Innovation & Emerging Technologies Lead

ROYAL COLLEGE OF ART; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal College of Art seeks an ambitious Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager to shape and deliver the institution's innovation agenda during a pivotal 5-year strategy period.

You will lead the development of a forward-looking roadmap for innovation, prioritising AI, quantum computing and sustainable tech, while ensuring value creation through assets, infrastructure and products across the College and wider community.

Qualifications

• Shaping and delivering innovation strategy within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of innovation frameworks and their practical application.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Creative, resilient problem-solver in ambiguous environments.
• Level 6 qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to institutional strategy formation, aligning innovation priorities with the College's vision and external opportunities.
• Develop and manage a diverse innovation pipeline—from ideation to pilots.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative, experimental culture.
• Investigate complex, institution-wide challenges and present evidence-based solutions to senior leadership.
• Build compelling cases for change, balancing risk and reward across a portfolio.
• Establish frameworks and metrics to evaluate impact, efficiency, and return on innovation investment.
• Champion innovation across the College, engaging staff, students, suppliers, and external partners.
• Build networks with peer institutions and sector bodies to advance the College's innovation interests.
• Oversee projects using Design Thinking, Agile, and Lean Startup with structured experimentation.

Skills

Innovation strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Change management

Design Thinking

AI/ Emerging tech literacy

Education

Level 6 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Royal College of Art seeks an ambitious Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager to shape and deliver the institution's innovation agenda during a pivotal 5-year strategy period.

You will lead the development of a forward-looking roadmap for innovation, prioritising AI, quantum computing and sustainable tech, while ensuring value creation through assets, infrastructure and products across the College and wider community.