Innovation Manager (Digital Transformation) (111207-0126)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Onur Eren, Principal Engineer at o.eren@warwick.ac.uk

Do you have skills and expertise to help manufacturers with their digital transformation journey? We are looking for an Innovation Manager to join the team!

In this role you will help SME manufacturing clients solve their most pressing problems using the latest digital tools and Industry 4.0 technologies. You will have the opportunity to work with external technology providers and experts within the University.

Specifically, The Role Involves

• Leading digital transformation projects with clients, from undertaking business diagnostics to providing project implementation support, to helping deliver measurable client outcomes.
• Working directly with a wide variety of different manufacturers to assess their processes, helping to define digital goals, and identify practical technology solutions.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to design and deliver proof-of-concept demonstrators and implementation plans for our clients.
• Applying broad knowledge of digital manufacturing technologies including Automation, ERP/MES and AI, and provide expert advice to help shape client strategy and delivery plans.
• Managing project delivery, ensuring milestones, quality standards, and KPIs are achieved.
• Line managing and mentoring engineers, helping to develop their capabilities and ensuring high-quality outputs and deliverables.
• Producing clear project documentation, roadmaps, and funding proposals communicating both technical and business value.
• Leading the preparation of grant and funding applications with clear value propositions and alignment with programme criteria.
• Building strong relationships with clients, technology partners, and funding bodies.
• Supporting the continuous development of WMG’s digital manufacturing offerings and demonstrators.

About You

The ideal candidate will have proven experience and technical understanding in one or more of the following areas:

• AI and its applications in manufacturing
• Automation Systems & Robotics

Experience In The Following Areas Is Highly Desirable

• IT and OT System Architectures
• Manufacturing Systems (ERP, MRP, MES and PLM)

This is an ideal position for someone ambitious who is looking to develop their Industry 4.0 digital technology and transformation skills to the next level, learning rapidly by doing in quick cycles, outside of a commercial business environment. You’ll be joining an organisation that encourages and champions personal development and progression and welcomes new ideas and approaches. This is an environment that thrives on the positivity and motivation of the team to help their clients to deliver innovative solutions.

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

About The Department

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is the largest department at the University of Warwick, with over 800 staff and nearly 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in management, technology, and applied engineering. We are globally recognised for our world-class research, innovative industry partnerships, and teaching excellence, and we are proud holders of the Athena SWAN Silver Award and the Institutional Silver Award.

Find out more about the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre.

Find out more about the Energy Innovation Centre.

Find out more about our range of undergraduate and apprenticeship degrees here.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 12th February 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. For guidance on writing a cover letter, see here.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: 6th April 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations.

We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD Innovation Manager (Digital Transformation) (111207).pdf – 251KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.