At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative solutions to tackle customer challenges and drive success.
- Company: Hitachi Rail, a leader in the rail industry with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Market-leading training, mentorship, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or Innovation Management required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Overview: Innovation Manager – reporting to the Technical and Assurance Director – will lead the development of innovative solutions to customer problems, enabling customer success. The role is based in London, Greater London, United Kingdom (On‑Site) and requires regular travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and deliver targeted innovation activities aligned with business goals and objectives
- Prioritise innovation opportunities based on forecast returns
- Secure funding for innovation activities from external and internal sources
- Deliver the targeted outcomes from innovation activities (technical, exploitation, commercial, financial)
- Identify and engage SMEs as appropriate
- Establish links and relationships with key customers and UK Rail professional innovation network
- Establish links and relationships with SMEs and academia regarding complementary technologies and capabilities
- Close collaboration with Product Line Managers, Product Line Architects, Product Owners, Culture Captains/Coaches
- Close collaboration with business units worldwide
- Close collaboration with bid and project Solution Engineering Managers and Project Design Authorities where applicable
- Active contributor to the whole Engineering and Technical team
Technical Skills and Experience
- Implementation of Project, Product, and Innovation Management practices
- Contract Management
- Prototyping and Experimentation – capable of developing proof‑of‑concepts and minimum viable products
- Bid and Financial Management, including the necessary financial acumen to develop work cost estimates and navigate complex funder requirements
- Intellectual Property Management
- Critical Thinking – can demonstrate Creative Problem Solving techniques and understanding of Design Thinking principles
Human Skills
- Strong stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills
- Build relationships at all levels and influence decision makers
- Build beneficial and collaborative relationships with external organisations, customer bodies, and funders
- Lead, manage, mentor and coach a diverse matrix‑managed team
- Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to work with uncertainty
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, Innovation Management or related topic area
Benefits
- Market‑leading training and development opportunities
- Mentorship and coaching from industry experts
- Flexible working patterns, including part‑time, job sharing, home working, or adjustable start and finish times
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment – we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Innovation Manager employer: Hitachi Vantara Corporation
At Hitachi Rail, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Based in the vibrant city of London, our Innovation Manager role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth through market-leading training, mentorship from industry experts, and flexible working arrangements. We are committed to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that drive customer success.
Contact Details:
Hitachi Vantara Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past – it’s all about demonstrating your value!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity at Hitachi Rail that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the unexpected! Interviews can be tricky, especially for an Innovation Manager role. Brush up on your critical thinking and creative problem-solving techniques. Be ready to discuss how you would approach real-world challenges and showcase your adaptability.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Innovation Manager role. Highlight your experience in innovation management and how it aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your past successes. Whether it's a project you led or an innovative solution you developed, we love to see tangible results that demonstrate your impact.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for innovation and how it drives you in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Vantara Corporation
✨Know Your Innovation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in innovation management. Be ready to discuss how you've identified and delivered innovative solutions in the past. Think about specific examples where your creativity led to successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've influenced decision-makers or collaborated with external organisations. This role is all about teamwork, so demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since the role involves bid and financial management, be prepared to discuss your experience with developing cost estimates and navigating funding requirements. Bring examples of how you've secured funding for innovation activities in previous roles.
✨Embrace Flexibility and Resilience
This position requires working with uncertainty, so be ready to share how you've adapted to changing circumstances in your past projects. Discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.
