The Role
As Principal Innovation Engineer, you will play a crucial part in driving and supporting innovation initiatives across the Commercial, Engineering, and Capital Delivery functions. Your primary focus will be on identifying and facilitating opportunities for innovation while ensuring these ideas are effectively integrated into ongoing projects and business practices.
You will collaborate closely with the Chief Engineer (Innovation and Carbon) to ensure that innovation is de-risked and encourage across the programme. From the early phases of ideation and conceptual development to the final implementation of new technologies, your role will be key to embedding innovative thinking into our operations.
A central aspect of your responsibilities will be providing technical expertise and guidance to innovation projects, with a specific emphasis on defining a rapid pathway for adopting new ideas. Additionally, you will work with capital programme partners to help achieve the company's innovation efficiency targets and meet broader innovation Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Key Responsibilities:
- Promote and support new engineering-led technology and strategic environmental initiatives like net zero carbon and circular economy.
- Technical leadership of innovation projects, including securing funding and representing the business externally.
- Drive innovation efficiency and manage technical risks associated with new technology.
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers and graduates, fostering an innovation, risk management and safety culture.
- Develop strong relationships with stakeholders, including Senior Leaders, Directors, and external partners.
Skills & Experience:
- Chartered or Incorporated professional or demonstrable equivalent level of expertise.
- Strong technical competence and leadership skills with a track history of working on innovation projects and/or evaluation of new technologies.
- Leadership and people management skills and an ability to build and develop high performing, successful collaborative relationships.
- Hold a current UK/EU driving licence.
Other Benefits:
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Up to 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues - Warrington only
- MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
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- Wealth at Work courses