Innovation Manager

Innovation Manager

The Point, Warwick

Permanent, Full-time, Hybrid

Salary: up to £76,000 (Dependent on experience)

Are you passionate about transforming ideas into business value? Do you thrive on identifying emerging technologies, leading innovation programmes, and helping organisations unlock the power of AI?

At Calor, we're looking for an experienced Innovation Manager to lead our innovation agenda and drive the adoption of emerging technologies across the business. This is a high-profile role reporting directly to the Chief Transformation & Information Officer, offering the opportunity to influence strategy, lead a growing innovation function, and help shape the future of AI and digital transformation across the organisation.

You'll work at the forefront of technology, exploring opportunities in AI, machine learning, data science, automation, cloud technologies and digital transformation to deliver measurable business outcomes.

What you'll be doing

As our Innovation Manager, you will

• Develop and deliver Calor's innovation strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the evolution of Artificial Intelligence across the organisation, partnering with Group stakeholders to shape and implement the AI roadmap.
• Identify, assess and champion emerging technologies that can improve operational performance, employee productivity and customer experience.
• Lead innovation initiatives from concept through to implementation, using Design Thinking, Lean Startup and agile methodologies.
• Manage a portfolio of innovation projects, prioritising opportunities based on business value, feasibility and strategic impact.
• Foster a culture of innovation by facilitating workshops, innovation challenges and cross-functional collaboration.
• Build strong partnerships with technology vendors, universities, start-ups and industry innovators.
• Oversee AI adoption programmes, training initiatives and change management activities to maximise business benefits.
• Lead and develop a team of Data Scientists and AI specialists.
• Provide strategic recommendations and innovation insights to senior leadership.
• What we're looking for
• We're interested in talented leaders who combine technical expertise with commercial thinking and a passion for innovation.

You'll ideally have

• Significant experience in Innovation Management, Digital Transformation, Technology Strategy or a similar leadership role.
• Experience developing and delivering innovation roadmaps and technology strategies.
• Strong knowledge of AI, machine learning, automation, data analytics, cloud technologies and emerging digital trends.
• Experience leading technology implementation projects and innovation programmes from idea through to delivery.
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving organisational change.
• Experience building business cases, measuring return on investment and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams.
• Why join Calor?
• This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation within an established and evolving organisation.

You'll have the chance to

• Lead Calor's AI strategy and innovation roadmap.
• Influence technology investment decisions at a strategic level.
• Work directly with senior leadership.
• Build and develop a growing innovation capability.
• Deliver meaningful transformation projects that make a real difference to our customers and colleagues.
• Explore and implement the latest technologies in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
• If you're excited by the opportunity to drive innovation, unlock the potential of AI, and help shape the future of Calor, we'd love to hear from you.
• What we can offer you:
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Annual Health Screening
• Company Pension Scheme (Salary sacrifice - single matched contributions up to 7.5%)
• Life Assurance
• Company Bonus
• Company car/car allowance
• Staff discounts on gas
• 1 day per year to volunteer for a charitable cause
• * Shopping discounts