Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough

Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough

Loughborough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to drive innovation in gypsum products.
  • Company: Join Saint-Gobain, a leader in sustainable construction solutions.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of construction with innovative solutions that matter.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in leadership roles, ideally in product management or R&D.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of learning and collaboration in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Gypsum Innovation Lead to shape and drive innovation across our gypsum portfolio at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for leading a team of Solution Developers and managing a portfolio of innovation and development projects aligned to SGIS and Saint-Gobain strategic goals. You will play a key role in concept development, innovation strategy and continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver meaningful value to customers and maintain our competitive edge in the construction market.

While this role is not hands-on technically, it is deeply connected to physical products, systems and customer outcomes. You will work closely with sector teams, central functions and external partners to turn insight into scalable, compliant and commercially successful solutions.

What you will be doing:

  • Leading, developing and inspiring a team of Solution Developers to deliver innovation excellence
  • Owning the gypsum innovation portfolio, ensuring projects align with business strategy and growth objectives
  • Driving concept development, from early insight through to robust business cases
  • Working closely with sector teams to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement
  • Clearly communicating innovation strategy, priorities and progress to senior stakeholders
  • Championing customer-led innovation, ensuring customer needs are at the heart of decision-making
  • Identifying opportunities for Continuous Improvement (CI) and enabling progress across the organisation
  • Fostering a strong learning and innovation culture, encouraging curiosity, collaboration and knowledge sharing
  • Ensuring solutions are delivered in line with compliance, safety, sustainability and regulatory requirements
  • Representing SGIS externally with customers, partners, trade bodies and industry forums as required

About you:

You are a people-focused innovation leader with a strong background in managing teams and delivering change in technically complex environments. You are comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and thrive in environments with ambiguity and evolving challenges.

You will bring:

  • At least 5 years' experience managing people, ideally in Product Management, R&D or a similar technical environment
  • Experience leading innovation, development or improvement initiatives involving physical products
  • A working knowledge of product development and innovation toolkits (e.g. design thinking, outcome-driven innovation)
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
  • A collaborative leadership style that brings teams together and enables progress
  • A problem-solving mindset, with resilience and adaptability in complex organisations
  • The ability to translate customer insight into clear innovation priorities and plans

Nice to have (but not essential):

  • Experience in gypsum or construction-related products
  • Higher degree in science, engineering or design
  • Professional memberships or compliance-related knowledge

About us:

Saint-Gobain is a worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, following our purpose of 'Making the World a Better Home'. We play a part in improving daily life through high-performance solutions. We understand that a diverse workplace is not only a more enjoyable place to be, but also facilitates better decision making and innovation.

At Saint-Gobain, we are always open to new ways of working. Everyone has different needs and commitments. We will happily discuss any need you might have for this role. If you match our criteria, we will be in touch to discuss your experience and more about you as a person - we look forward to hearing from you.

Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough employer: Saint-gobain

At Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued and continuous improvement is encouraged. Located in a dynamic sector, we offer meaningful opportunities to lead impactful projects while ensuring a work-life balance that accommodates individual needs.
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Contact Detail:

Saint-gobain Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their products, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their innovation goals. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for innovation! During conversations, share your ideas and insights about the gypsum industry. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making an impact in their field.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking chats, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm. Plus, we appreciate a little courtesy!

We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough

Team Leadership
Innovation Strategy
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Mindset
Adaptability
Customer Insight Translation
Continuous Improvement (CI)
Product Development Knowledge
Design Thinking
Collaboration
Resilience
Technical Environment Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in innovation and team leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Innovation Lead - Gypsum, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: Since this role is all about leading a team, let us know about your collaborative leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven innovation in previous roles – we love to see that kind of passion!

Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect strong communication skills. Be clear and concise about your achievements and how they relate to the job description. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can influence at all levels, so make your words count!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Saint-Gobain family!

How to prepare for a job interview at Saint-gobain

✨Know Your Innovation Tools

Familiarise yourself with innovation toolkits like design thinking and outcome-driven innovation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in managing teams or projects related to physical products.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative leadership style. Think about times when you brought teams together to drive innovation or solve complex problems, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.

✨Understand the Market Landscape

Research Saint-Gobain's gypsum portfolio and the construction market. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities for innovation that align with their strategic goals, showing that you can think critically about the industry.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice articulating your ideas and innovation strategies clearly. Since this role involves communicating with senior stakeholders, ensure you can convey complex concepts in a straightforward manner, demonstrating your strong communication skills.

Innovation Lead - Gypsum in Loughborough
Saint-gobain
Location: Loughborough

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