Innovation Project Manager

Overview

The role of Innovation Project Manager at the UK Ministry of Defence’s jHub involves leading and executing innovation initiatives that support Cyber and Specialist Operations Command. This position offers the chance to collaborate with Defence personnel, industry experts, academia, partner nations, and government bodies to accelerate the deployment of transformative technologies and processes to frontline users. The working environment is dynamic and fast-moving, encouraging fresh ideas and requiring staff to work with autonomy and a proactive mindset.

The permanent duty station is HA6 3HP, with the jHub team currently operating from White City, London (W12 7RZ). The position demands 37 hours per week, primarily onsite, with significant UK and occasional international travel.

About jHub

jHub, the innovation team for Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, comprises a small, diverse team of Military and Civil Servants focused on advancing mature and dual-use technologies to bolster the strategic edge of UK Defence. The team acts as a broker, linking cutting-edge technologies and top talent to Defence end-users by managing funding and rapid project development to test and explore viable paths for exploitation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver multiple innovation projects in parallel, typically leading three to four initiatives at a time.
• Engage with end-users and stakeholders across Cyber and Specialist Operations Command and the wider MOD to identify innovation challenges and devise solutions.
• Plan, execute, and govern projects within agreed time, budget (usually £200k to £1M), and quality parameters.
• Provide effective project management by tracking risks, dependencies, budgets, and resources, ensuring goals are met.
• Navigate cross-disciplinary collaboration including operational, financial, commercial, cyber security, and technical experts.
• Translate successful projects into sustainable Defence capabilities or distil unsuccessful outcomes into actionable insights.
• Lead the identification and sourcing of innovative solutions from industry and academia to address Defence needs.
• Possibly manage small teams depending on project scale.
• Ensure realization of project benefits and lessons learned are accurately documented and understood.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and problem solver with the ability to transform vision into practical plans. Essential personal qualities include high resilience, adaptability, and strong organizational skills required to manage complex projects and prioritize effectively under pressure. Excellent communication skills are necessary to influence diverse audiences including senior leadership, and to produce well-crafted reports, presentations, and briefings.

Applicants should demonstrate a passion for innovation and complex problem solving, and a capability to consider the legal, commercial, and technical implications of various options. While no specific technical or military background is mandated, maturity and the ability to quickly understand new technical topics are essential.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven track record of effectively managing projects in complex environments.
• Strong communication skills with examples of stakeholder influence and project cohesion.
• Passion for innovation and strategic problem solving.
• Ability to think strategically across disciplines including legal, commercial, and technical aspects.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development for self and team.
• Robust organizational skills ensuring timely and budget-compliant project delivery.
• Recognized project management qualification such as Association for Project Management Registered Project Professional, Agile, or SCRUM certification.

Working Conditions and Other Information

• The role requires significant domestic travel and occasional international travel.
• Applicants should be prepared for a probationary period of six months for those new to the Civil Service.
• The Ministry of Defence enforces a smoke-free working environment policy across all establishments.
• Flexible working options may be available, with a requirement to spend at least 60% of working time at the office, subject to capacity and adjustments.
• No relocation expenses are provided.
• Applicants' experience and skills will be assessed against behaviours including Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture, and Leadership.
• Salary is £46,040 annually, with an additional employer pension contribution of £13,337 under the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme (28.97%).
• Learning and development tailored to the role are supported alongside an inclusive and diverse working culture.

Additional Notes on Application

Use of artificial intelligence for application content is allowed only if all information is truthful, factually accurate, and entirely based on personal experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation, including the use of third-party generated content as one's own, may lead to application withdrawal or disciplinary measures.

Expenses related to interview travel will not be reimbursed. The department is reviewing pay-related allowances which may impact current benefits.