Innovation Manager

The purpose of this role is to create drive and to deliver on time, new and innovative products for the primary market - with close links to the key curriculum learning requirements to support delivery in schools, support teachers and to bring about creative learning experiences.
Thoroughly understand the market and forthcoming initiatives within the education market in the primary sector, working with current and establishing new, advisors, influencers, and opinion formers. A key focus is to gain valuable insights into what teachers are looking for to support their delivery of the curriculum outcomes in the form of innovative and creative resources. Understanding the wider needs of primary schools both in the UK and Internationally and gaining insight into themes across the globe that affect teaching and learning.
The duties of an Innovation Manager are wide ranging, but ultimately involve;

• Idea generation with a focus on applying readily available and emerging themes in wider markets, educational and beyond to bring to fruition new resource ideas that can be implemented directly into a setting's scheme of work.


• Learn and know the education market inside out, how it differs from other industries and the barriers to entry for resources entering the primary market.


• Develop excellent long-term relationships with leading advisers, teachers, and educationalists to provide valid input into the TTS and Consortium product ranges.


• Being aware of our customer needs and requirements and being able to demonstrate an understanding of their world, what needs to be done compared to what is an advantage to be done and how we show we can support their needs and help solve their problems.


• Support the design and development of new products and product improvements, balancing innovative engineering design, functional requirements, and aesthetic appeal with product safety, cost effective design and ease of manufacture


• Work with Product Mangers to validate and enhance the current IPR ranges within their specialist area


• Understand the competition and ensure products are differentiated within the marketplace and offer value for money
  
  As the right candidate for the role of the Innovation Manager, you will have some of the following:


• Working within a role which requires you to adapt customer feedback and research into a product or service proposition.


• Ideally experience in a product development or product management environment.


• To be able to demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative skills.


• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - credible, open and approachable, with the ability to adjust your manner to suit your audience.


• Open, outgoing, and comfortable doing presentations in a public forum (Trade Shows)


• A background in education either from a teaching background or with experience of working within the education industry.
  
  At RM, we've been pioneers of education technology since 1973. We provide technology and resources to the education sector supporting over 10 million students around the world. We work with 28,000 schools, nurseries, and education trusts in 115 countries to deliver customer-centric solutions that improve education outcomes worldwide.


What we do helps leaners at all stages of their lives, from preschool to higher education and professional qualification, we partner with schools, examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions, to enrich the lives of learners.