Innovation Project Manager

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Łódź; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Poland seeks a dynamic Innovation Project Manager to turn open innovation into concrete results across the transformer business. You will manage end-to-end innovation projects, run global startup challenges, and pilot programs with cross‑functional teams.

In a fast‑paced, global environment you will translate frameworks into action, define milestones, track KPIs, and drive initiatives from idea to measurable impact, collaborating with startups, engineers, and senior sponsors.

Qualifications

• Degree in Innovation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–6 years’ experience in project management, innovation operations, consulting, or coordinating cross‑functional initiatives.
• Hands‑on experience delivering innovation activities such as startup challenges, pilots, workshops, or ecosystem events.
• Strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in parallel.
• Experience working in complex, global, matrixed environments.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize open innovation offerings, ensuring consistent and professional delivery of startup challenges, venture‑clienting, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Manage end‑to‑end execution of innovation projects, including planning, timelines, stakeholder alignment, risk management, and reporting.
• Run global startup challenges by coordinating scouting inputs, managing submissions, supporting evaluations, and ensuring clear communication.
• Drive innovation pilots and explorations, facilitating problem definition, organizing experiments, and capturing evidence and learnings.
• Plan and deliver high‑quality workshops, sprints, events, and co‑creation sessions across global teams.
• Translate innovation frameworks and blueprints into actionable execution plans with clear milestones and deliverables.
• Ensure transparency and governance by tracking KPIs, progress, outcomes, and risks.
• Act as the “glue” between Innovation Operations, R&D, Product Management, and business sponsors.

Skills

Project management

Innovation operations

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional coordination

Workshop facilitation

Open innovation

Planning and execution

Global/matrix environment

Communication

Education

Degree in Innovation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Location:Lodz, Lodz, PolandJob ID:R0123404Date Posted:2026-04-10Company Name:HITACHI ENERGY POLAND SP. Z O.O.Profession (Job Category):Project/Program ManagementJob Schedule:Full timeRemote:NoJob Description:The opportunityHitachi Energy is seeking a dynamic, action‑oriented Innovation Project Manager to turn our global Open Innovation agenda into concrete results across the transformer business.In this highly operational role, you will execute and orchestrate innovation activities such as global startup challenges, venture‑clienting pilots, and ideation workshops — transforming strategy into action and measurable business impact.Working at the core of the Global Innovation Organization, you will collaborate closely with startups, partners, technical experts, business sponsors, and global delivery teams. You will be the driving force that connects frameworks with execution and ideas with pilots.This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, global environment, brings structure and momentum, and is motivated by seeing tangible outcomes from their work.How you will make an impactOperationalize open innovation offerings, ensuring consistent and professional delivery of startup challenges, venture‑clienting, and entrepreneurial initiativesManage end‑to‑end execution of innovation projects, including planning, timelines, stakeholder alignment, risk management, and reportingRun global startup challenges by coordinating scouting inputs, managing submissions, supporting evaluations, and ensuring clear communicationDrive innovation pilots and explorations, facilitating problem definition, organizing experiments, and capturing evidence and learningsPlan and deliver high‑quality workshops, sprints, events, and co‑creation sessions across global teamsTranslate innovation frameworks and blueprints into actionable execution plans with clear milestones and deliverablesEnsure transparency and governance by tracking KPIs, progress, outcomes, and risksAct as the “glue” between Innovation Operations, R&D, Product Management, and business sponsorsYour backgroundDegree in Innovation Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field3–6 years’ experience in project management, innovation operations, consulting, or coordinating cross‑functional initiativesHands‑on experience delivering innovation activities such as startup challenges, pilots, workshops, or ecosystem eventsStrong planning, prioritization, and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in parallelExperience working in complex, global, matrixed environmentsConfident communicator, comfortable interacting with startups, engineers, and senior stakeholdersPractical problem‑solver with a structured, execution‑focused mindsetGenuine interest in open innovation, startup collaboration, and turning ideas into impactMore about usAt Hitachi Energy, we recognize that our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace, competitive rewards, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our benefits package is designed to help employees thrive both at work and in their personal lives.Our benefits offering for this role generally includes:Private medical care and life insuranceAccess to fitness and wellness programsAccess to benefits platform with discounts and perksEmployee Capital Plans (PPK)Equipment for working from home or allowances for setting up a workplace at homeSpectacles and contact lenses allowanceCompany events and team‑building activitiesPsychological support programAccessibility and reasonable accommodationQualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.Use of Al and automated tools in recruitmentAs part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.Background Screening and Security ChecksAs part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.