Head of Innovation

Are you curious about how technology & innovation could transform the way we travel? Would you like to utilise science and engineering to tackle some of the UK's biggest transport challenges? Do you want to join a fast-paced team helping to shape safe, secure and reliable transport for everyone? If so, we'd love to hear from you! In the Department for Transport's Science, Innovation and Technology (ScITech) directorate, we explore how scientific and technological advances can improve transport across the UK. Led by the Chief Scientific Adviser, our team of just over 20 sits within the Decarbonisation, Technology and Strategy group, helping ensure science, engineering and technology play a central role in meeting transport's biggest challenges. Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King's birthday
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
Read more in the Benefits section below! Find out more about what it's like working at DfTc: DFT Central - Home | Civil Service Careers As Head of Innovation, you will champion science and technology to address transport challenges and support the Department for Transport's strategic priorities. Working with policy teams and external partners, you will accelerate innovation, share best practice and advise on innovation portfolios. You will lead collaboration with Connected Places Catapult, oversee the £2m Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme, manage grant agreements and build partnerships across government, industry and academia to drive the adoption of innovation. Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:
• Manage the activities of a small team including one SEO and one science and engineering fast streamer.
• Oversee the management of the CPC Limited Grant Agreements, including evaluation of the projects delivered to date - and implement new ways of working
• Oversee the delivery of the annual TRIG proof-of-concept innovation scheme and drive its continuous improvement.
• Provide advice to teams across the Department on innovation.
• Develop and maintain central Innovation resources, guidance, and training.
• Champion innovation within the DfT and wider community. Develop and maintain a network of key innovation stakeholders, within government and wider industry.
• Lead the Transport Research and Innovation Board, Innovation Community of Practice.
Colleagues are expected to work with a degree of flexibility, meaning responsibilities may change to support priority delivery.