Head of Innovation in Belfast

We are seeking a supportive and forward-thinking individual to lead and grow a high-performing team of innovation specialists. Based in Belfast, this role places a strong emphasis on people leadership—developing talent, driving performance, and fostering a collaborative and ambitious team culture. You will take responsibility for overseeing the design and delivery of our most complex and high-impact innovation programmes, championing the adoption of advanced digital and deep tech solutions across the UK. Around 50% of your time will be dedicated to our flagship Digital Twin programme, working closely with local and national partners to maximise impact. Reporting to the Innovation Practice Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping delivery strategies, coordinating strategic projects, and strengthening Digital Catapult’s national reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Support and develop a team of up to 8 innovation specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and high performance.
• Champion team growth by identifying development opportunities, providing mentorship, and ensuring everyone is equipped to achieve outstanding results.
• Oversee and guide the delivery of our most strategic innovation and acceleration programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and delivering maximum value for customers and partners.
• Lead the Innovation Practice delivery of a major Digital Twin innovation programme, coordinating internal teams, partners and stakeholders to deliver measurable industry and national impact.
• Embed and advance methodologies such as design thinking, lean startup, and agile to ensure excellence in innovation delivery.
• Provide strategic oversight across a £200M programme portfolio, ensuring effective resource allocation, proactive risk management, and consistently high standards of delivery.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders at all levels including government agencies, industry partners, startups, and academia to extend the reach and impact of our innovation activities.
• Ensure compliance with organisational standards, governance, and regulatory requirements across all delivery activities.
• Monitor and report on team performance, resource utilisation, and programme delivery metrics to support informed decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to cross‑organisational initiatives and champion Digital Catapult’s values, supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Requirements

• Proven leadership skills and experience supporting and developing high‑performing teams, with a focus on collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusive team culture.
• Proven ability and track record leading delivery of complex, multi‑stakeholder innovation or acceleration programmes e.g. deep tech, digital transformation or ecosystem building initiatives, demonstrating both strategic oversight and hands‑on involvement.
• Practical experience applying and embedding innovation methodologies such as Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Agile within delivery teams to design, test and scale new products, services or business models.
• Skilled in engaging and building influential and collaborative relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem.
• Demonstrated ability to allocate resources effectively, anticipate and mitigate risks, and maintain robust performance tracking in a dynamic delivery environment.
• Confident in ensuring compliance with organisational standards, governance controls, and regulatory requirements across all activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to thrive in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience reporting on team performance and programme delivery to inform decision‑making.
• Experience working with public or grant‑backed innovation programmes (e.g. Innovate UK or similar), including reporting, compliance and impact measurement.
• Some familiarity / understanding or a strong interest in deep tech domains such as AI, Future Networks or Digital Twins is desirable, with experience in Digital Twins considered advantageous.

Deadline for Applications: 17th February 2026 (We reserve the right to close this role to applications before the deadline).

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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.