Strategic Innovation Lead — Shape Next-Gen Solutions (Hybrid)

Fortress Safety; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension contribution up to 10.5%

Company bonus scheme

Halma share vesting scheme

Airport parking discounts

Eyecare support

Cycle to work scheme

Long service recognition

Life assurance coverage

Job summary

Fortress Safety, based in Wolverhampton, is seeking an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging technology into practical commercial opportunities.

Reporting to the Innovation Director, you will shape ideas from early exploration through validation, lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Engineering and Product, and manage the innovation pipeline for handover to delivery teams. This hybrid, permanent role offers strong benefits and a car allowance.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering, Product, Innovation, Business, or equivalent experience gained through relevant roles.
• Demonstrated experience working in innovation, R&D, product development, or a technically led commercial environment.
• Strong understanding of structured innovation approaches, applied pragmatically in a business context.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification, development and prioritisation of innovation opportunities aligned to Fortress strategy and market needs.
• Own and manage the innovation pipeline, progressing concepts from early exploration through to validated handover into Product, Engineering or other delivery teams.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies and customer insight to inform opportunity identification.
• Facilitate ideation sessions, workshops and problem-solving across the business.
• Engage with customers, partners and external bodies to validate concepts and understand emerging needs.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Structured innovation

Commercial awareness

Analytical thinking

Engineering background

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Fortress Safety, based in Wolverhampton, is seeking an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging technology into practical commercial opportunities.

Reporting to the Innovation Director, you will shape ideas from early exploration through validation, lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Engineering and Product, and manage the innovation pipeline for handover to delivery teams. This hybrid, permanent role offers strong benefits and a car allowance.