Role Purpose
The Innovation Manager is responsible for driving and managing innovation initiatives, primarily focused on the design, funding and delivery of projects and programmes for Digital Jersey and the Impact Jersey scheme.
The role involves identifying innovation opportunities, developing proposals to secure funding, including from the Government of Jersey’s Technology Accelerator Fund, and managing the lifecycle of Impact Jersey programmes from approval and mobilisation through to delivery.
The Innovation Manager will work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders to support programme objectives and contribute to solving Island-wide challenges through technology-led solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Programme Delivery
- Develop and manage all aspects of the project or programme lifecycle for initiatives within Digital Jersey and Impact Jersey
- Coordinate programme delivery from approval and mobilisation through to implementation, monitoring and evaluation
- Manage risks, dependencies, actions, milestones and reporting requirements
Proposal Development & Funding
- Draft and develop compelling programme proposals for Impact Jersey and other relevant innovation initiatives
- Define problems, research potential solutions and outline practical delivery methodologies
- Support access to funding sources, including securing funding for Impact Jersey programmes from the Government of Jersey’s Technology Accelerator Fund
Impact Jersey Programme Management
- Take ownership of running Impact Jersey programmes, coordinating with internal departments and external partners
- Ensure programme activity is aligned with strategic goals, funding requirements and agreed outcomes
Research, Design & Stakeholder Engagement
- Carry out research to understand market gaps, identify innovation opportunities and define problems suitable for Impact Jersey programmes
- Organise workshops and engage with industry, government and other stakeholders to scope problems and validate programme designs
- Build relationships with technology suppliers and delivery partners
- Help build awareness of Impact Jersey through sharing LinkedIn thought leadership, programme and event promotion, and sharing organisational content.
Problem Solving & Execution
- Identify and resolve challenges and bottlenecks throughout the programme lifecycle
- Work collaboratively with internal and external teams to maintain momentum and delivery quality
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Proven experience planning, managing and delivering projects through their full lifecycle
- Interest in, experience of, or knowledge of technological innovation, including AI, data or emerging technologies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent problem-solving ability and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing situations
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Confidence facilitating workshops and presenting findings
Desirable
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a technical, STEM or interdisciplinary field
- Experience working with public-sector, grant-funded or innovation programmes
Personal Attributes
- Curious, pragmatic and delivery-focused
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and emerging technologies
- Collaborative, organised and able to make things happen