Due to continued growth in the workload of our successful Water business, we are seeking to recruit an Innovation Strategy Lead.  The successful candidates will initially join a site-based team of asset management professionals, engineers, modellers, GIS specialists and technicians and play a key role in delivering a major Framework for a key client.

Overview of the role:

The role of the Innovation Strategy Lead is to develop and implement new methods to drive transformational change within business to deliver long term resilience, meet challenging ODIs and deliver our strategic challenges in a cost-effective and appropriate way.

To work with other Companies and the supply chain to achieve our strategic objectives. Ensure long term commitment to delivering innovation improvements with particular emphasis on two key areas.

Targeting Innovation:

• Engagement with key internal stakeholders to implement, monitor, and refresh the Innovation strategy.
• Collaboration with all areas of the business and with the innovation steering group, innovation champions and change-makers to develop a culture of sharing ideas and continuous improvement.
• Work with the business to identify and articulate key innovation needs and promote these needs internally and externally to ensure innovation effort is targeted to areas that will have the biggest benefit.
• Adoption of existing and proposing new innovative techniques/technologies.
• Horizon scan’ to identify innovation direction of wider industry and society and identify biggest opportunities for business.
• Engage and collaborate externally to identify potential innovation ideas in the wider industry that could be explored further.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to identify and explore product & services innovation from the supply chain.

Expected requirements:

• The post holder is required to be self-motivated, committed, and organised.
• Experience in working with and managing inter-disciplinary teams and processes is essential.
• A track record of designing and launching successful products and/or services would be an advantage along with problem-solving skills, strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate with senior leaders.
• They should have analytical skills with confidence distilling data into actionable insights.
• They need to be comfortable facilitating project planning, generating critical insights and delivering effective communication at all levels of the business.
• They also need to be able to manage a project team and/or external resources (e.g. consultants).

Responsibilities:

• Implement, monitor and review the Innovation Strategy.
• Leading on the design and development of new programs, including the business case, program design and detailed budgeting and any associated efficiencies.
• Review and respond on external policies on driving innovation and ensure we align to any regulatory requirements.
• Provide input into the PR24 business plan and/or other regulatory mechanisms to substantiate & secure funding for innovation initiatives (e.g. Ofwat innovation fund).
• Working with other companies and the supply chain to cultivate accountability in providing innovative solutions where our customers want it most and to share lessons learned.
• Facilitate the trial and adoption of innovative products and techniques, ensuring the benefits are assessed, quantified and accepted, including sign off via the Innovation steering group and Spec.
• Review Panel where appropriate.
• Ensure agreed innovations are embedded into project and /or programme delivery and communicated throughout the business as necessary.
• Proactively look for opportunities to collaborate with external bodies in innovation, where collaboration is mutually beneficial.
• Leading agile and adaptive project and development techniques to ensure maximum throughput of projects.
• Monitor and report innovation activities and associated efficiency benefit.
• Assist the Innovation lead(s) in promoting a culture of innovation at all levels

What we offer?

Atkins recognise that there are many well qualified people who are looking to further their career, but who cannot commit to full time employment. We support flexible working arrangements and are interested to discuss how we can accommodate individual requirements.  As part of this commitment, we understand the need for a diverse and flexible workforce, where a work-life balance is important. So, by default Atkins offers flexible working, where there is no fixed 9 ‘till 5, no need for a 5-day week, no requirement for a full-time contract, and no requirement to spend all your working time in the office. 

Our IT systems support homeworking, so where you have parental or carer duties; or you simply need to be elsewhere for a parcel, servicing your car, or waiting in for a tradesperson; Atkins will work for you.  Similarly, Atkins’ corporate social responsibility provides the opportunity to give something back to the community, and we run professional networks supporting groups such as local schools, charities, parents, those coming out of the armed-forces and women in engineering.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary that is regularly tested against other consultants with a default 25-days leave each year plus bank holidays and options to buy some or sell of that leave. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To support and safeguard your physical and mental wellbeing we provide an employee assistance programme offering advice and support in times of need.  Our offices run their own sports and social clubs providing a wide range of activities.  You will also have access to our Flexible Benefits, where you can opt in to a wide range of benefits to complement your work/life balance: such as medical insurance, gym membership, the cycle-to-work scheme, child care vouchers, charitable giving, additional pension contributions etc.

Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package. 

https://yourrewarduk.snclavalin.com/

Training and Development:

Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual development process. We support staff in achieving and maintaining membership of relevant institutions. You will also be part of our global Technical Networks, which provide a flow of technically orientated information and ideas through the company.

The learning and development experience in our Ground Engineering team is different to that at most other companies. Here we thoroughly recognise the importance of our people and we invest for the long term to provide them with the technical, commercial and managerial expertise they need throughout their career. At Atkins our staff continue to learn and develop irrespective of their position or experience. 

Our investment includes our acclaimed technical conferences, regular presentations and discussion groups, field trips, bespoke training courses as well as active on the job mentoring. Fulfilling learning and development experiences include the opportunity for international assignments in a variety of countries. 
Flexible Working:

We welcome the opportunity to discuss a flexible working pattern for this vacancy. For roles advertised under the category of flexible working we would encourage you to explore the flexible working options we are able to offer during the interview process.

We have also increased our investment even further by launching our Ground Engineering Professionals Programme, facilitating strong professional development to match the passion and skills of our talented people post Chartership.

ATKINS, part of the SNC Lavalin Group, is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview.

If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

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