Innovation Manager

About us

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it’s so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don’t plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as an Innovation Manager, and find your superpower.
 

National Grid is hiring a Innovation Manager. This position can be based at either The Strand, London or Warwick, UK.

About The Role

Are you ready to drive transformative change in the energy sector? National Grid is on the lookout for an enthusiastic Innovation Manager to play a crucial role in shaping and delivering groundbreaking innovation initiatives that align with our strategic priorities—from decarbonisation and system efficiency to customer-centricity and digital transformation.

In this exciting position, you will be at the forefront of our UK innovation team, reporting directly to the Innovation Director. You will thrive in a progressive innovation culture, leading high-potential projects from initial exploration to business case development and implementation. Collaborating closely with Business Units, IT&D, Transformation, and external partners, you will ensure that our innovation initiatives are not only aligned but also embedded and impactful across the organisation.

Key Accountabilities

Innovation Delivery:

• Collaborate with National Grid and external stakeholders to identify innovation areas that align with strategic priorities and business objectives.
• Develop problem definitions, opportunity assessments, and value propositions while leading project teams using methodologies like design thinking and agile.
• Shape and deliver transformative innovation projects from ideation to pilot, business case, and transition to business-as-usual, while working with finance to define benefits and risks.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with internal stakeholders across Business Units and IT&D to align initiatives with delivery and strategy goals.
• Collaborate with the Group Innovation function on priority areas and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including startups and academia.
• Communicate project objectives and market outlooks to all levels of the organisation, fostering a psychologically safe environment.

Ecosystem and Market Awareness:

• Stay updated on trends and market shifts in energy and infrastructure, identifying relevant partners and technologies to accelerate strategic delivery.

Governance and Reporting:

• Provide regular updates for senior governance bodies, including the Innovation Advisory Board, and contribute to innovation reporting and strategy.
• Maintain best practices in innovation and track progress, risks, and learnings across the innovation lifecycle, supporting funding proposals to stakeholders.

About You

• Significant experience in innovation, strategy, new product development, or transformation, preferably in the energy, infrastructure, or technology sectors.
• Proven track record in delivering innovation or change projects across cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape for energy networks, with excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Comfortable developing and presenting pitch decks, compelling business cases, and storytelling around impact.
• Experience engaging with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive outcomes.
• Familiarity with innovation tools and methodologies, such as design thinking, agile, and MVP testing.
• Knowledge of energy system challenges and trends is advantageous.
• Entrepreneurship and start-up experience is a plus.

What You'll Get

• Competitive Salary: circa £64,000 - £76,000 per annum (dependent on location, capability, and experience).
• Bonus: Up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance

Additional benefits:
 

• Flexible benefits such as a cycle scheme, share incentive plan, technology schemes
• Ongoing career development and support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave – so
• long as it is relevant to your role
• Access to apps such as digital GP service for round the clock access to GP video consultations and NHS repeat prescriptions, wellbeing app to support your health and fitness
• Access to Work + Family Space, providing support and resources for work and family life, including paid emergency childcare and eldercare

More Information

This role is offered on a Full-Time, Permanent basis. 
 
We are also offering hybrid /flexible working where travel to the office will be as per business need. Base location for this role will be The Strand, London or Warwick, UK.
 
This role closes on 4th August2025; however, we strongly encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible, as we reserve the right to close the advert early.
 
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.