Lead - Innovation Partnerships and Delivery

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of London’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP). QEOP is flagged as one of London’s three leading Innovation Districts in the London Growth Plan, playing a strategic role in London’s productivity and potential for inclusive growth.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading the design and delivery of the QEOP Adoption Lab, from strategic case through to implementation
• Building and managing high‑value partnerships across public, private and academic sectors
• Securing funding and investment to support innovation initiatives and long‑term sustainability
• Convening and shaping the QEOP Innovation Board, driving a shared agenda for the District
• Coordinating complex, multi‑organisation programmes and aligning stakeholders around common goals
• Translating ambitious ideas into structured, deliverable programmes with clear outcomes and impact
• Supporting senior leadership with strategic insight, briefings and engagement

More about the Adoption Lab:

The QEOP Adoption Lab is a place‑based initiative designed to tackle a critical systemic issue: while innovative solutions are increasingly available and often proven, they are not being adopted or scaled within public services and urban systems. The adoption gap stems from barriers such as procurement complexity, fragmented systems, workforce constraints, and misaligned incentives—resulting in repeated pilots but limited real‑world impact. The Lab responds by shifting the focus from innovation creation to innovation adoption, positioning the QEOP as a live testbed where solutions can be embedded into everyday practice and scaled to deliver better outcomes for Londoners.

More About the QEOP Innovation Board:

The QEOP Innovation Board is a senior, cross‑sector forum providing strategic direction and advocacy for innovation at the QEOP. Its core purpose is to accelerate the development and scaling of innovation across the Park, the Growth Boroughs and London, driving inclusive and sustainable growth. The Board sets priorities across key themes—Habitat, Inclusive Talent, and Health & Wellbeing—while promoting the District to attract investment, talent and partners, and connecting local activity with wider London and national policy.

Is it for you?

You are someone who thrives in complex, fast‑moving environments and enjoys working at the intersection of strategy, partnerships and delivery.

• Significant experience developing and delivering cross‑sector partnerships (public–private–academic)
• A track record of turning collaboration into tangible programmes, not just ideas
• Strong political awareness and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes
• Commercial acumen, including experience securing funding or developing sustainable models
• Confidence working with senior leaders across sectors
• Experience in innovation, placemaking, economic development or public service transformation

How to apply:

To apply for this post, please submit a supporting written statement (no more than 900 words) outlining how your skills and professional experience meet the requirements set out in the Job Specification. You must also attach your CV for reference. Applications must include both a CV and a supporting written statement. CVs submitted without a supporting statement will not be accepted.

The closing date for applications is Monday 11th May 2026 at 11:59pm. Interviews will be taking place the week commencing 25th May 2026 and the week commencing 1st June 2026 in person.

Benefits:

• The salary for this post is £101,136 per annum.
• LLDC operates a performance‑based incremental pay scale.
• The probationary period for this post is for 3 months.
• Annual leave entitlement is 32 days per year, plus bank holidays, pro‑rata for part‑time employees.
• LLDC can provide employees with an interest‑free loan to purchase a season ticket for travel to and from work.
• LLDC employees are eligible for a discounted gym membership at the Copper Box Arena and free membership at the London Aquatics Centre.
• Brilliant and engaged employee networks to join, including the LGBTQ+ network, Race, Culture and Equity network and Inclusive Access and Disability network.