Innovation Lead

James Cropper plc.; Kendal; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An advanced materials company based in the Lake District is seeking an Innovation Lead to guide their innovation strategy. The ideal candidate will possess a STEM degree, significant experience in a senior technical role, and a passion for emerging technologies. This role involves leading a high-performing team, driving platform development, and building strategic partnerships. The company offers a competitive salary, 25 days’ annual leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support. Join a collaborative environment where your ideas matter.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days' holiday

Pension scheme with matched contributions

Free health cash plan

Wellbeing support including EAP

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior technical role.
• Proven experience taking products from development to commercialization.
• Ability to guide and inspire a team.

Responsibilities

• Create and communicate a compelling vision for innovation.
• Lead a high-performing team fostering creativity and continuous improvement.
• Drive platform development from concept to TRL/MRL 6.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities and industry leaders.
• Represent the company externally at conferences and in publications.

Skills

Leadership in innovation teams

Strategic thinking

Influencing skills

Commercial awareness

Passion for emerging technologies

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Shape the Future of Innovation with James Cropper

At James Cropper, we don’t just follow trends – we create them. Our Advanced Materials division is at the forefront of pioneering solutions that redefine industries. We’re looking for an Innovation Lead to join our Innovation & Customer Solutions Group and drive the next wave of market‑led product and technology development.

What’s the role?

As Innovation Lead, you’ll be the visionary guiding our innovation strategy – identifying unmet market needs, prioritising high‑impact concepts, and leading projects from ideation through to technology readiness. You’ll inspire and lead a talented team, foster creativity, and build partnerships that accelerate innovation. This is your chance to position James Cropper as an industry leader and make a tangible impact on the future of advanced materials.

What you’ll do:

• Create and communicate a compelling vision for innovation aligned with our growth strategy.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team, cultivating a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
• Drive platform development from concept to TRL/MRL 6 using structured stage‑gate processes.
• Collaborate with Strategic Marketing to leverage market intelligence and technology trends.
• Build strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders.
• Represent James Cropper externally through conferences, whitepapers, and thought leadership.

What we’re looking for:

• A STEM degree and significant experience in a senior technical role.
• Proven leadership in innovation teams and experience taking products from development to commercialisation.
• Strategic thinker with strong influencing skills and commercial awareness.
• Passion for emerging technologies and a drive to shape the future.

Why James Cropper?

We offer a collaborative environment where your ideas matter, and your ambition can thrive. Based in the beautiful Lake District, you’ll work in a place where innovation meets sustainability.

We are offering a competitive salary and benefitsincluding;

• The chance to pave your career with a global leaderyou’llhave support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We will help you save for your retirement – join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• Wellbeing support – including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest

If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper please apply today!

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

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The Company

James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products. Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries.

Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non‑wovens and electrochemical coatings.

We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy. Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award‑winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.