The purpose of this job role is to be responsible for, and actively contribute to: leading and organising innovation products/projects, enhancing the quality testing/certification process for new products and actively investigating opportunities and capabilities in support of innovation across both production and service led processes within the business.
Innovation is introducing change in order to create value for the organisation and its stakeholders. This change can encompass new or improved products or services, the way offerings are created or delivered (process innovation), the structure, routines and methods of the organisation (organisational innovation) as well as changes to operational and business models (including partnership opportunities). The degree of change can range from small improvements (incremental innovation) to large fundamental changes (radical/disruptive innovation).
Innovation and Sustainability are two of the four Company core values at Michelmersh, we pride ourselves in leading the sector in these fields. We encourage a collaborative and dynamic culture for people to thrive and give their best whilst being supported, developed, and nurtured.
Our innovation hub is based in Romsey, therefore the chosen applicant will ideally live within realistic commuting distance. Hybrid working available.
Job specification
Key responsibilities and activities:
1. With the direction from the Innovation and Sustainability Director lead the development and continuous update of the organisation’s innovation vision and strategy in coordination with key stakeholders
* Initiate relevant market monitoring and foresighting activities, including searching for new market opportunities, user needs
* Align and integrate the innovation strategy with strategic objectives of the organisation, including operational and business models, and road maps for products and services
* Define and assess key organisational prerequisites (structure, staffing, materials, suppliers etc) for implementing the innovation strategy
* Build and maintain a strategic programme for implementing the innovation strategy and ensure that the resources (people and facilities) needed to deliver the innovation objectives are present
* Maintain an innovation portfolio (consisting of e.g. innovation- or new business development projects)
* Develop alternative business model opportunities conducive to innovation or the Michelmersh Sustainability roadmap
2. To lead development and the continuous update of the organisation’s innovation process(es) in coordination with key stakeholders
* Develop appropriate metrics to measure the effectiveness (e.g., number of new or improved offerings) and efficiency (e.g., throughput time) of the innovation process or turnover for a particular portfolio of products/projects
* Develop innovation process workflows, documentation and clear testing and certification processes inclusive of an effective feedback loop
* Define clear cost and budget structures, including time sheet implementation for an efficient research and development tax claiming process
3. To lead development and the continuous maintenance of an inventory of innovation methods and tools, including idea management systems, idea generation methods, staff training programmes, and internal networking initiatives
* Provide consultation on innovation tools when needed
* Convene workshops with clearly defined innovation themes
* Structure and implement staff training programmes
* Implement and support an organisation-wide idea management system, including the gathering, evaluation, selection and implementation of employee’s ideas
4. To plan, execute/coach and follow-up innovation initiatives/projects to search for new opportunities, or to strengthen existing operations and/or business strategy
* Define project outline (e.g., objectives, goals, scope, activities, duration, participants, budget, expected results) and inform and engage internal and external participants (employees, customers, users, suppliers or other stakeholders)
* Analyse current market situation, challenges and potential opportunities with commercial departments
* Convene workshops with engaged stakeholders
* Clarify customer/user values and insights and create/describe scenarios for the future
* Cluster ideas into concepts
* Develop and verify prototypes (e.g., illustrations, mock-ups, wire-frame models, prototypes, data sheets)
* Build cases around concepts and manage a portfolio of concepts
* Present concepts to management and suggest future actions
5. To establish relationships with external stakeholders and potential partners within academia, government, industry, trade associations and other relevant organisations
* Participate in external networking activities
* Convene themed workshops with external stakeholders or partners
6. To promote an innovation friendly organisational culture supporting experimentation, open communication, empowerment, autonomy and a tolerance for failure
* Conduct measurements of organisational innovation culture
* Review, structure and implement leadership training programmes
* Assess the organisation’s employee incentive structure / reward system with regards encouraging awareness or idea generation focused on future business opportunities or threats
* Assess and remove factors that may hinder employee’s job autonomy from innovation related requirements/trials/research activities (e.g., time draining activities, unnecessary administration, reporting-structures)
* Establish relationships and networks with internal stakeholders
Key Requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Material Science, Product Design, Innovation Management, or a related field (Master’s or PHD degree preferred)
* Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in product innovation, R&D, or technology development within manufacturing or building materials (ceramics experience preferred)
* Proven track record of successful product development and innovation management
* Strong knowledge of material properties, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies in the industry
* Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects
* Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills
* Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working across departments and with external partners
* Understanding of intellectual property, patents, and regulatory compliance
What we offer
* Salary of £45,000 – £55,000 per annum dependent on experience.
* 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory days per year.
* Employee benefits such as Cycle to Work scheme, Life Assurance and employer paid pension.
* Regular opportunities to develop and learn new skills via employer funded training.
* A collaborative work environment where innovation, sustainability and creativity are encouraged.
* The chance to be a part of a company that is making a tangible impact on the built environment.
If the above role appeals to you and you are looking for a new challenge Michelmersh want to hear from you.
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