Strategy Manager (Innovation) – fixed term until 31/12/2028
Location: Waverley Court, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Salary: £65,184 – £77,845
Hours: 36 per week, 52 weeks
About the Role
The Role is part of the City of Edinburgh Council's participation in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation Team (i-team) programme. The council is establishing a new innovation team in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, aimed at tackling complex challenges through innovation, collaboration and data‑driven approaches. As the manager of the newly established Innovation Team, you will lead a team focused on driving innovation as well as leading on the development and delivery of transformative innovation programmes that address complex challenges such as retrofitting heritage‑listed buildings and removing stigma and complexity for those seeking support for poverty. The role requires strong leadership, communication and relationship‑building skills to guide cross‑functional teams and effectively deliver results within budgets and timelines. Additionally, you will oversee strategic alignment with the council's leadership priorities and corporate objectives, manage innovation portfolios, and embed innovation practices across Edinburgh.
About You
The ideal candidate is a natural connector, mission‑driven, creative and resilient in complex, fast‑changing and politically sensitive environments. You must have the ability to manage ambiguity, solve problems strategically and drive innovation from concept to implementation. You will not only lead your dedicated team but also work with political leadership and champion a culture of experimentation, learning and co‑creation across the Council. Experience in a UK local government environment and an understanding of urban innovation challenges (such as decarbonisation and poverty) in the UK context are highly desirable.
Benefits
We provide a range of employee benefits to contribute to your physical, mental and financial wellbeing and a better standard of living:
* Occupational pension scheme via the Lothian Pension Scheme
* Generous holiday allowance
* Flexible working opportunities
* Maternity, partner and adoption leave
* Employee assistance programme
* Career breaks and flexible working options
* Support for balancing work and family responsibilities
We are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce.
We use a behavioural and technical assessment approach to interview candidates, focusing on how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working. More information can be found on our Our Behaviours web page.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and increases annually until it reaches the top of the range.
Happy to talk flexible working. Follow us on X at @edincounciljobs.
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