About the Role

James Cropper is a global leader in advanced materials and paper and packaging products. As an Innovation Manager, you will play a key role in driving transformative innovation and spearheading groundbreaking projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Innovation Projects: Manage key innovation projects from concept to implementation, ensuring they align with the company's business strategies.
• Idea Evaluation: Identify, assess, and prioritize innovative ideas that can drive business growth and improvement.
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business strategies and identify opportunities for strategic improvements in products and processes.
• Technology Tracking: Stay up-to-date on external technologies that can impact James Cropper's operations and identify opportunities for adoption.
• Broader Project Involvement: Participate in wider innovation initiatives and contribute to the development of new business opportunities.
• Network Development: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.

Requirements:

• Educational Background: A degree in science or engineering is preferred, but not required.
• Innovation Experience: Proven experience in driving innovation to support business strategies is essential.
• Manufacturing Insight: Familiarity with manufacturing operations is a plus.
• Versatility: Ability to quickly grasp and understand diverse topics is crucial.
• Self-Management: Self-motivated and capable of delivering outcomes independently.
• Problem-Solving: Natural aptitude for finding solutions to complex, dynamic problems.
• Curiosity: Strong interest in exploring new ideas both internally and externally.
• Communication Skills: Excellent at conveying ideas and building a network both within and outside the organization.
• Structure Creation: Comfortable working in unstructured environments and capable of bringing order when necessary.
• Comfort with Ambiguity: Ability to thrive in uncertain situations.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Access to a range of learning and development programs.
• A comprehensive pension scheme with employer matching.
• 25 days' holiday per year (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• A free health cash plan.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24/7 employee assistance program (EAP).