Are you curious about how technology & innovation could transform the way we travel?
Would you like to utilise science and engineering to tackle some of the UK’s biggest transport challenges?
Do you want to join a fast-paced team helping to shape safe, secure and reliable transport for everyone?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
In the Department for Transport’s Science, Innovation and Technology (ScITech) directorate, we explore how scientific and technological advances can improve transport across the UK. Led by the Chief Scientific Adviser, our team of just over 20 sits within the Decarbonisation, Technology and Strategy group, helping ensure science, engineering and technology play a central role in meeting transport’s biggest challenges.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below!
Find out more about what it's like working at DfTc:DFT Central – Home | Civil Service Careers
As Head of Innovation, you will champion science and technology to address transport challenges and support the Department for Transport’s strategic priorities. Working with policy teams and external partners, you will accelerate innovation, share best practice and advise on innovation portfolios. You will lead collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, oversee the £2m Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme, manage grant agreements and build partnerships across government, industry and academia to drive the adoption of innovation.
Responsibilities
- Manage the activities of a small team including one SEO and one science and engineering fast streamer.
- Oversee the management of the CPC Limited Grant Agreements, including evaluation of the projects delivered to date – and implement new ways of working
- Oversee the delivery of the annual TRIG proof-of-concept innovation scheme and drive its continuous improvement.
- Provide advice to teams across the Department on innovation.
- Develop and maintain central Innovation resources, guidance, and training.
- Champion innovation within the DfT and wider community. Develop and maintain a network of key innovation stakeholders, within government and wider industry.
- Lead the Transport Research and Innovation Board, Innovation Community of Practice.
Colleagues are expected to work with a degree of flexibility, meaning responsibilities may change to support priority delivery.
For further information on the role, please read the role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only - whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Head of Innovation
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £59,816 to £59,816 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Birmingham
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 9 Nov 2026
Closing date: 22 Nov 2026
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Head of Innovation in Birmingham employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
