At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow the Geovation ecosystem, connecting innovators with government and industry.
- Company: Join Ordnance Survey, a pioneer in geospatial technology with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave plus development support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovation and shape the future of location data.
- Qualifications: Experience in building innovation communities and partnerships, especially with government.
The predicted salary is between 71206 - 83074 £ per year.
12 Month fixed term contract for maternity cover. Full time – we will also consider part time or role share proposals. £71,206 - £83,074.00 (dependent on experience) plus London allowance. Hybrid (Farringdon) – minimum three days a week in the office.
Ordnance Survey (OS) is one of Britain’s most impactful technology and data companies, providing location data across the public and private sector. Our data is part of everyday life, with the average person benefitting from it 40 times a day. Geovation is part of OS and works with startups to push the boundaries of what is possible with location data. Our Farringdon hub is a vibrant space where first-time founders collaborate with experienced entrepreneurs and geospatial specialists. We host events, encourage creativity, and help build the next generation of data-driven applications through our programmes and challenges. We do this to generate insights for the OS product team and grow future markets for location data. At Geovation you can make a real difference, develop your skills, and help ideas, businesses and people grow.
About the Role
As Ecosystem Lead, you’ll grow the impact of the Geovation Community across founder, government and geospatial ecosystems. Your aim will be to connect innovators with government, unlock insights, and shape the future of government data. You’ll be the face of the community and lead a small team. You’ll work closely with partners across government, industry, and the startup community to build a vibrant, inclusive network that delivers value to OS and its customers.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development, delivery and expansion of the Geovation ecosystem ensuring alignment with Geovation and OS’s goals, with a specific focus on engaging across government.
- Manage and grow strategic partnerships with government bodies, entrepreneurial support networks and investors to strengthen the ecosystem’s value.
- Oversee the management of the community and development and delivery of the member offer including the creation of inclusive community events.
- Optimise revenue streams from membership and space usage, meeting annual targets.
- Work closely with Operations team to maximise hub efficiencies and build scalable systems to boost community engagement and increase member satisfaction.
- Represent Geovation and OS externally, building high-impact relationships across government, commercial networks, and international communities.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to evolve the ecosystem’s shape and focus, ensuring it reflects emerging trends and OS priorities.
- Play a role in surfacing and sharing insights from the community that are relevant to OS’s products and the wider use of location data.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who understands how to build and grow innovation communities, with an existing network across government innovation activities. You’ll bring deep experience in supporting startups, developing partnerships, particularly with government, and creating inclusive spaces that foster collaboration and insight. You’ll be excited by working across sectors and passionate about unlocking the potential of location data through diverse networks. You will understand government innovation, particularly around data and the emerging use of AI. You see leadership as much more than management and are passionate about developing and empowering people and shaping your impact through your many influences and interactions.
No specific formal qualifications are seen as essential for this role with experience and knowledge being more important. We’re looking for someone who has:
- A strong understanding of the needs of startup founders and the supporting ecosystem, particularly in tech and geospatial.
- Excellent knowledge and experience of innovation processes and the role of startups in shaping new markets and generating insights.
- Excellent knowledge, understanding and connections with government innovation and data communities and networks.
- A proven ability to build strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, with a track record of pitching and negotiating mutual benefits.
- An entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership experience and potential, including leading by example in a hands-on, community-focused environment.
- Demonstratable experience managing and growing innovation ecosystems, membership bodies, or communities.
- Experience as a thought leader, with a history of publicly communicating ideas, insights, and trends.
Technologies we use: MS Office, Nexudus, Slack, Canva, Copilot.
The rewards
We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work. Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
- Performance-related bonus (where applicable)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
- Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
- Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
- Volunteering leave and matched fundraising
Location & Working Pattern
The role is based at our Geovation Hub (Farringdon) with a minimum of 3 full days in the Geovation Hub to provide direct support to start-ups working from the hub.
Security & Eligibility
OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS)). This role requires the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, OS cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Inclusion at OS
At Ordnance Survey, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Closing date: Monday 23rd November 2026 at 23:59pm.
Who we are
We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for.
Three principles one direction:
- Clear the path - Cut the noise. Simplify. Move at pace.
- Seek the story - Listen. Understand. Speak up.
- Do what matters - Focus on value.
Our principles unite us in delivering our Data & Destinations strategy with more simplicity, more clarity, and renewed momentum for each other and for our customers. They’re here to create more good days, and fewer harder ones but only if each one of us plays our part.
Skills required for this role: Innovation, Partnership Management, Start-Ups.
What if your next role helped shape the way millions of people experience the world? Every day, our location data powers essential services, supports businesses, drives innovation, and helps keep communities safe. For over 225 years, we've been helping people navigate the world around them. Today, we're combining that heritage with cutting-edge technology, data science, and digital innovation to solve real-world challenges. From laptops to hilltops, blue lights to streetlights, and congestion to relaxation, our data helps people make better decisions, find their way, and respond to the challenges that matter most. Whether it's supporting the emergency services, enabling businesses to grow, or helping governments plan for the future, the work we do has a real impact on everyday lives. If you're looking for meaningful work, exciting challenges, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, you'll find it here.
Geovation Ecosystem Lead in London employer: Ordnance Survey Limited
At OS, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join us in our mission to create sustainable outcomes and make a meaningful impact in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Geovation Ecosystem Lead in London
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Ordnance Survey Limited.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Ordnance Survey Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Geovation Ecosystem Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Ordnance Survey Limited that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Ordnance Survey Limited and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ordnance Survey Limited
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Ordnance Survey Limited, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Ordnance Survey Limited that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Ordnance Survey Limited, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
