At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects worth £1m, ensuring timely and compliant delivery.
- Company: Join SGN, a pioneering employer transforming the gas industry for a net-zero future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid work, enhanced family leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Diverse backgrounds welcomed; we value unique perspectives and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovation while fostering collaboration and leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering, project management experience, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
To lead and coordinate a themed portfolio of innovation projects, typically with an annual value of circa £1m, ensuring all SGN Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) projects are delivered successfully, on time, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory requirements and SGN’s strategic objectives. The role drives collaboration and innovation by building strong internal and external partnerships, providing leadership and direction across projects, and maximising impact, value, and the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Here’s how you will contribute…
- Implement and support the development of SGN’s innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, business priorities, and innovation themes.
- Manage and oversee delivery of the innovation project portfolio, ensuring compliance with Ofgem governance, SGN standards, and effective financial control of budgets.
- Lead, mentor, and support Innovation Project Engineers and junior team members, including coaching, resource allocation, and performance management to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including technology providers, academia, industry bodies, and funding agencies, while actively developing the innovation ecosystem.
- Oversee multiple innovation projects, balancing resources, timelines, and priorities to maximise impact and ensure alignment with SGN’s strategic objectives.
- Ensure robust governance across all projects, including accurate reporting and documentation, compliance with safety and financial standards, and monitoring emerging technologies, market trends, and policy developments.
What you will need:
- Degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
- Project management certification.
- Strong leadership and team management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Advanced project and portfolio management.
- Budget control and governance compliance.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to interpret data and contribute to decision-making.
- Minimum 5 years in project management or innovation roles, with at least 2 years in a management position.
Not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.
Why SGN? SGN leads pioneering research and development for a net-zero energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.
If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.
Innovation Futures Programme Manager employer: SGN Your gas. Our network.
SGN is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety, inclusivity, and employee well-being. With competitive benefits such as enhanced maternity/paternity pay, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to innovative projects aimed at achieving a net-zero energy system. Located in South East England, SGN fosters a collaborative environment where every team member plays a vital role in delivering warmth and comfort to homes and businesses.
Contact Details:
SGN Your gas. Our network. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Futures Programme Manager
✨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 SGN Your gas. Our network..
✨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 SGN Your gas. Our network..
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Futures Programme Manager
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 SGN Your gas. Our network. 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 SGN Your gas. Our network. 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 SGN Your gas. Our network.
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at SGN Your gas. Our network., 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 SGN Your gas. Our network. 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 SGN Your gas. Our network., 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.
