At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evaluation and acceleration of next-gen sensing technologies and industrial solutions.
- Company: Join Smiths Detection, a global leader in security and detection technology.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, career growth opportunities, and a focus on safety and wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team making the world a safer place.
- Why this job: Influence strategic investments and drive innovation in a high-value portfolio.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of sensor technologies and experience in assessing emerging tech.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
We are looking for a Ventures Technology Lead to play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and accelerating next-generation sensing technologies and industrial solutions. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic investment decisions, support venture creation, and drive innovation within a high-value portfolio focused on circular economy opportunities.
Working closely with Product Managers, Portfolio Directors, Chief Scientists, and external technology partners, you will assess emerging technologies, conduct technical due diligence, and help define the roadmap for future ventures. Your expertise will be instrumental in translating market opportunities and customer needs into robust technical strategies and scalable solutions.
What You'll Be Doing
- Evaluate the technical feasibility, differentiation, and scalability of sensing-based technologies and industrial solutions.
- Partner with Product Managers to shape technology strategy and identify emerging market opportunities.
- Lead technical assessments and due diligence activities for new ventures, partnerships, and innovation initiatives.
- Develop technology roadmaps and provide recommendations that inform investment and portfolio decisions.
- Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, including business leaders, scientists, engineers, academic institutions, startups, and technology vendors.
- Translate customer and market requirements into actionable technical evaluations and development plans.
- Support the acceleration of venture investments by providing clear technical insight and risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and corporate policies.
What We're Looking For
The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with commercial awareness and strategic thinking. You will bring:
- Deep knowledge of sensor technologies, hardware systems, software development, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions.
- Experience assessing emerging technologies and their commercial potential.
- A track record of working within large, matrix organisations and influencing diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to engage effectively across internal teams, external partners, academia, startups, and technology providers.
- Experience developing technical strategies, roadmaps, and feasibility assessments.
- The ability to balance technical depth with business priorities and investment considerations.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
Why Join Us?
This role offers the opportunity to directly influence the future direction of a growing portfolio with a projected five-year value of approximately £400 million. Your work will help shape investment decisions, accelerate innovation, and bring transformative technologies to market.
If you are passionate about emerging technologies, venture innovation, and solving complex industrial challenges, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the next generation of sensing and circular economy ventures.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring strong expertise across sensor technologies, hardware systems, software development, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions. They will have a proven track record of operating within complex, matrixed organisations, collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams and a diverse ecosystem of external partners, including academic institutions, startups, and technology providers.
Combining deep technical knowledge with strong commercial acumen, the individual will be able to evaluate emerging technologies, assess their strategic and commercial potential, and provide clear recommendations that support investment decisions. Their ability to influence stakeholders, shape portfolio strategy, and accelerate innovation will be critical to driving the success of current and future ventures.
Additional Information
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.
Ventures Technology Lead - 12 months FTC in London employer: Smiths Group
Smiths Detection is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering excellent training and career advancement opportunities within a supportive and inclusive work environment. Located in a dynamic sector focused on safety and security, employees benefit from a culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters innovation, all while contributing to meaningful work that makes the world a safer place.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ventures Technology Lead - 12 months FTC in London
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Dive into conferences, seminars, and networking events focused on technology transfer and commercialization. It's a great way to connect with key players in the field and discover temporary roles that may not be advertised widely.
✨Join Relevant Online Communities
Look for forums and online groups dedicated to technology transfer, like LinkedIn groups or platforms like ResearchGate. Engaging in discussions can get you noticed and might lead to temporary opportunities at companies like Smiths Group.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re in or near an academic institution, tap into their career services or alumni networks. They often have insider info about temporary roles or projects in technology transfer that you can jump into.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
Many companies prefer direct applications over job boards. Keep an eye on Smiths Group's career page for temporary roles and apply as soon as you see something that fits. It shows initiative and boosts your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Ventures Technology Lead - 12 months FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Tech Transfer Know-How:When applying for a role in technology transfer commercialization, make sure to highlight any relevant experience or knowledge you have in translating research into marketable products. Reference past projects or coursework that demonstrates your understanding of technology assessment and commercialisation strategies to really stand out.
Flex Your Temporary Skills:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your ability to hit the ground running. Emphasise any previous short-term contracts or freelance work where you’ve quickly adapted to new environments and delivered results. This shows that you’re not just ready to work, but you can do so effectively in a limited time frame.
Tailor Your Documents for Impact:Make sure your CV and cover letter are closely aligned not just with the role, but also with Smiths Group’s values and goals. Use specifics from the job description to frame your experience, and don't forget to mention relevant certifications or training in technology commercialization – it will help bolster your application.
Show Your Collaborative Side:Technology transfer is all about working with different stakeholders. Highlight your teamwork skills in your written application. Share stories or examples where you've successfully collaborated with researchers, industry partners, or even within your own team, as this will illustrate your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Showcase Your Understanding of Tech Transfer
When you're interviewing for a gig in technology transfer commercialisation, make sure you can speak the language of both technology and business. Brush up on specific methodologies and case studies that illustrate how you can effectively bridge these two worlds. Being able to discuss real examples where technology was successfully commercialised will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to encounter some technical questions related to intellectual property, market assessment, and licensing strategies. We should prepare to explain how we would approach assessing a technology's commercial viability. This showcases not just our knowledge, but our analytical skills and critical thinking, which are key in this field.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability for Temporary Work
Given that this is a temporary role, be prepared to discuss how quickly you can get up to speed with a new project, team, or environment. Potential employers at Smiths Group will want to see that you can hit the ground running and contribute effectively right away, so sharing past experiences in similar situations can help.
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Successes
Since this role revolves around commercialisation achievements, consider bringing a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past successes in tech transfer or similar projects. This not only reinforces your qualifications but also offers a tangible representation of your contributions, making a lasting impression on the team at Smiths Group.
