At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to shape the future of energy with Sizewell C.
- Company: Join the Civil Works Alliance, a collaborative force in civil engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous leave, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values creativity and encourages all voices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on clean energy while fostering a culture of innovation.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in innovation roles; degree in relevant field required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help Shape the UK’s Energy Future. As part of the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), you will support the building of Sizewell C, a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes.
What will you do?
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Innovation Manager to join our Business Improvement & Innovation Centre of Excellence. The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide variety of innovation and improvement activities to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality within the Civil Works Alliance.
- Contribute to development of CWA innovation strategy.
- Identify, evaluate, and implement innovative technologies, processes, and methodologies that enhance Sizewell C smart replication.
- Manage a portfolio of innovation projects providing leadership in the day-to-day operations of the activities while ensuring all innovation initiatives align with nuclear safety, quality, and compliance standards.
- Track and report on innovation KPIs and ROI to senior leadership.
- Horizon scanning industry trends, emerging technologies and regulatory developments relevant to nuclear and civil infrastructure.
- Facilitate cross-functional workshops and innovation sprints to generate and develop ideas.
- Collaborate with engineering, digital, and operational teams to pilot and scale innovations.
- Coach project teams on innovation frameworks (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean, Agile).
- Build partnerships with academia, startups, and technology providers.
- Promote an innovation culture; experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement.
What are we looking for?
This role requires proven expertise in innovation in large and complex civil engineering infrastructure, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Project Management, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum 7–10 years of experience in innovation, transformation, or continuous improvement roles within construction or infrastructure.
- Proven track record of delivering innovation in large-scale, complex projects.
- Experience working in or with nuclear, energy, or other highly regulated sectors.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change in multi-cultural environments.
- Professional certification in Innovation Management, Change Management, or similar (preferred).
- Digital and data fluency.
What we will offer you?
The CWA is a single delivery organisation made up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.
About Us
The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under-represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity. By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV.
Senior Innovation Manager employer: CWA
Joining the Civil Works Alliance as a Senior Innovation Manager offers you the chance to be at the forefront of shaping the UK's energy future through the development of Sizewell C, a pivotal low-carbon power station. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across diverse teams. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower our employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the environment and society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Innovation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Innovation Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past innovation projects and successes. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your ability to drive transformative initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you've contributed to innovation and improvement in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining the CWA and being part of shaping the UK's energy future.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Innovation Manager role. Highlight your innovation projects and any relevant experience in civil engineering or infrastructure to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about innovation in the energy sector and how your background makes you the perfect fit for the CWA. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and improve processes. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing those impressive stats!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CWA
✨Know Your Innovation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in innovation, especially within civil engineering and nuclear sectors. Be ready to discuss specific technologies or methodologies you've implemented in past projects that align with the role's focus on enhancing efficiency and productivity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led cross-functional teams or workshops in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and mentoring others on innovation frameworks like Design Thinking or Lean, as this will resonate well with their emphasis on building an innovation culture.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity. Think of ways you've embodied these values in your previous roles and be ready to share those stories during the interview to demonstrate cultural fit.
✨Prepare for KPI Discussions
Since tracking and reporting on innovation KPIs is a key responsibility, come prepared with examples of how you've measured success in past projects. Be ready to discuss how you’ve evaluated ROI and what metrics you used to track progress.