Programme Manager - Innovation Team
Background
Solarcentury is planning much of its future growth to come from the further expansion of proprietary products and services. These range from industrial solar cladding systems, to new residential solar tiles, to integrated finance offers, to design software tools.
At any one time there are many projects running, varying in scope from a major new research programme, to a cost reduction exercise, to a local variant of an existing product. Our plan is to grow our innovation work at the same ambitious level that we expect to grow our revenues.
Job purpose
To plan the portfolio of innovation projects, to deliver it on time, on budget, and to lead a process of continuous improvement and thought leadership.
Reporting
Chief Innovation Officer
Responsibilities and accountabilities
1. Execution
Develop and maintain a balanced aggregate plan that is optimised to achieve the innovation goals of Solarcentury. Deliver the new products and services to market in accordance with the plan
2. Team leadership.
Mentor and develop the project leaders as individuals within the team. Define the future shape of the team and build a strong sense of team spirit
3. External communications
Maintain accurate communications of new products to the sales and marketing team and the other functions required for product launch. Report to the executive and the board on progress and future vision of the innovation portfolio.
4. Process leadership
Build project management infrastructure and methods appropriate for Solarcentury’s size and maturity. Provide thought leadership for programme management within the firm
Job scope
There are currently 6 people in the innovation project management team who will run approximately 25 projects in a year. The plan is to grow the overall innovation team and the scale and complexity of the projects will increase accordingly.
The innovation team is required to deliver to the rest of our products that are fully ready for sale.
In addition to technical development this entails testing and certification, product literature and pricing. Achieving this will require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure effective integration with other functions both inside and outside Solarcentury. There is a particularly strong link between the innovation team and the business development team.
Skills and attributes
- This role is suitable only for candidates with deep content knowledge, experience and passion around programme management and project leadership.
- Knowledge of engineered product development would be highly desirable, as would service development and experience of taking new products to market.
- To complement the deep content knowledge, we are looking for candidates who have the respect and broad understanding of other functions within an organization to deliver a multidisciplinary programme.
- An energetic and inspiring team leader
- Confidence and credibility to present on the innovation portfolio to a senior audience
- A desire and a comfort to work in a young, fast-growth company where systems are evolving as the company matures, and to play a leading role in managing this process of change
- Experience of the energy and construction industries is a bonus.
- European languages are highly desirable.
Competencies
- Technical Skills
- Planning and Organising
- Managing Change and Innovation
- Leadership
- Communication
- Effective Use of Resources
- Building People Capability
- Corporate Social Responsibility
In return we offer good benefits, a dynamic, exciting and friendly work environment with the opportunity to really make a difference with your working life. If you are interested please can you email in your CV and covering letter to recruitment@solarcentury.com by 9th May 2008.
