Innovation Manager
SOC 11-1021.00 · ESCO 1223 · OSCA 131239
Role snapshot
Overview
Scouts emerging trends and facilitates the development of new ideas within an established organisation, running workshops, pilots, and proof-of-concept projects. This role involves building a strategic pipeline from early-stage concepts through to viable business initiatives, driving growth, and fostering a culture of innovation across departments.
Drives future growth, competitive advantage, and cultural transformation within an organization by continuously introducing and commercializing novel products, services, or processes.
On the job
- Identify and evaluate emerging market trends, technologies, and customer needs.
- Develop and manage the innovation funnel, overseeing projects from ideation to commercialization.
- Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and test new concepts.
- Facilitate innovation workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate creative solutions.
- Present strategic business cases and progress reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field; often supplemented by innovation-specific certifications.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Innovation Manager
Strategy & Consulting
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
enterprising · ECI
People who enjoy leading strategic initiatives, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and applying structured thinking to develop new ideas tend to thrive in this role. It combines a drive for business outcomes with analytical and collaborative skills.
Personality characteristics
Curious
Driven to explore new ideas, technologies, and market opportunities to identify potential for innovation.
Strategic
Plans and executes innovation initiatives with a clear vision, structured approach, and focus on business outcomes.
Influential
Effectively communicates and persuades diverse stakeholders to adopt new concepts and support innovation projects.
Collaborative
Works well with and empowers cross-functional teams to foster a culture of shared innovation and collective problem-solving.
Resilient
Maintains composure and adapts quickly to setbacks, ambiguity, and the iterative nature inherent in innovation processes.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about driving future growth and challenging existing paradigms within an organization.
- Professionals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoy leading complex, strategic projects.
- Those who excel at translating abstract ideas into concrete, viable business initiatives and fostering a culture of creativity.
Watch out for
- Requires a high tolerance for ambiguity, uncertainty, and the potential for project failures inherent in innovation.
- Involves frequent presentations, cross-functional negotiation, and managing diverse expectations.
- Can be demanding in terms of continuously keeping up with rapid technological and market changes.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Innovation Manager — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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