Innovation Lead (Projects & Grants)

Join to apply for the Innovation Lead (Projects & Grants) role at Canal & River Trust. Base pay range £75,000 per annum.

Overview

The Innovation Lead role will work across the Trust to signal openness for innovation, establish and manage an innovation fund, coordinate internal trials, and lead bids to external innovation funding streams. The role involves securing external grants, building partnerships, and driving innovation and growth across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop a framework and business cases for funding opportunities, translating innovative ideas into funding.
• Champion new ways of working, technology adoption, and delivery of new ideas.
• Explore cross‑sector markets and build strong business cases for waterway and infrastructure projects.
• Improve teams’ processes and performance to deliver efficiencies.
• Engage stakeholders, support cross‑functional initiatives, and build relationships with funders.
• Establish and manage the innovation fund, leading to potential ROI.

Key accountabilities

• Manage the innovation fund, coordinate trials, and lead bids for external funding.
• Embed modern technologies and tools that improve productivity and performance.
• Cultivate a high‑performance culture of accountability and innovation.
• Present ideas to Executive/Senior Management and external supporters.
• Build and sustain networks within UK and global innovation communities.
• Architect scalable, reliable services for cross‑functional teams.
• Implement KPIs to track idea pipelines and trial implementation.
• Assess and mitigate technical risks, ensuring smooth innovation pipelines.

About you

We are looking for an innovative thinker with:

• Substantial experience delivering innovation projects and concepts.
• Track record in securing grant funding and partnerships.
• Commercial acumen to develop compelling business cases.
• Experience in engineering, technology, materials, construction, or infrastructure innovation.
• Advantageous marine or water‑related sector experience.
• Experience navigating complex, multidisciplinary organisations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Able to influence peers and senior stakeholders.
• Negotiation skills and ability to balance tactical and strategic goals.
• Understanding of governance, financial controls, quality management.
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office.

Location & coverage

This role is remote with occasional site visits (2‑3 times per month) across the Canal & River Trust network including Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Burnley, Newark, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Gloucester, London.

Benefits

• Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme, with employer contribution double to a maximum of 10%.
• 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing to 30 days after 5 years, with a holiday purchase scheme.
• Home working status with hub facilities available when needed.
• Free access to specialist counselling (health, finance, well‑being).
• Employee benefits such as store discounts, boating holiday discounts, and holiday purchase scheme.
• 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum.
• Free fishing facilities across the canal network.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, please submit your application as early as possible.