The Innovation Solutions Director will lead the Centre of Excellence for creation, definition and initial implementation of innovation and acceleration solutions for all Digital Catapult’s complex multi-disciplinary programmes, projects and operations, delivering customer and participant value and the maximum impact in line with our mission. Working to the COO, the Director will provide extensive innovation and acceleration delivery and formulation experience, a calm, collaborative and confident approach and strong leadership skills; directing a team of ~5-8 innovation professionals collectively responsible for defining state-of-the-art innovation and acceleration solutions for highly technical and innovative programmes over the next five years. This role will work very closely and collaboratively with the Innovation Practice Director to ensure alignment between solution design and delivery.
This role is a 12-Month Maternity Cover
WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)
* Develop, implement, and execute the overall strategy for innovation and acceleration solutions that excite the market and achieve business goals.
* Drive a customer-centric team culture and way of working that meet the requirements of the pipeline of opportunities, and that enables scaling through an efficient shared services model.
* Manage and mentor a diverse team, ensuring effective performance management and promoting a culture of learning, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Coach and guide immediate reports and set expectation that this approach flows through the team.
* Foster effective communication and collaboration between departments to ensure a seamless flow of information and resources
* Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business development, key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, startups, and academic institutions to ensure clear communication, buy-in, and support for solutions.
* Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders related to Digital Catapult’s innovation and acceleration solution capability and provide thought leadership in developing complex deep tech innovation programmes.
Requirements
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)
* Proven track record of senior leadership and operational management of multiple cross-disciplinary teams in technology, innovation, or related sectors.
* Acknowledged innovation expert with an external profile in the field.
* Reputation as an active and effective creator of innovation solutions with partners and customers
* Relevant background in complex national innovation projects and solutions design, initiation and delivery, such as acceleration, innovation consultancy, business analysis, design and service transformation projects, responding to client and funder requirements.
* Passionate about technology innovation and experienced in identifying, prioritising, incubating and exploiting opportunities provided digital technologies
* Strong stakeholder relationship management skills including with government bodies, industry and academia.
Deadline for Applications: Monday 11th August @ 5pm
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. 
We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.
As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.
Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits
* We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
* Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
* Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
* Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
* Discretionary company bonus
* 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
* E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
* Life insurance 4x salary;
* Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
* Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
* Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
* Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
* Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!
We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.
We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.
We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.