Innovation Manager

Work Base: Truro, Exeter, Bristol, Bradford, London or Remote

Working Hours: Full-Time Monday to Friday

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000

About Kensa Group

At Kensa Group, we are driven by a vision to electrify the transition to sustainable, affordable heating and cooling for all. As the UK’s leading manufacturer and installer of ground source heat pumps, Kensa is pioneering a clean-energy future, connecting people to innovative, fossil-free heating solutions. Supported by a £70 million investment from Octopus Energy and Legal & General Capital, Kensa is accelerating its growth to achieve a goal of 50,000 installations per year by 2030 and help Britain achieve net-zero emissions.

Our mission is clear: to create the best heating and cooling solutions that support a fossil-free world. We believe in making the right choices for people, the planet, and Kensa. Guided by our values, we strive to be the best we can, innovate with purpose, and work as one team to build a future we can all feel proud of.

Why join Kensa?

• Impact: Be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to sustainable and affordable heating solutions.
• Growth: Significant career advancement opportunities in an expanding sector.
• Innovation: Engage in meaningful projects that contribute directly to the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
• Values-driven: Work in a supportive, inclusive environment where integrity, respect, and teamwork are valued.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy?

About the Role

We are searching for a forward-thinking Innovation Manager to lead a specialist team and drive innovation within our Technology & Systems division.

In this strategic role, you will drive innovation across our rapidly growing business, manage current and future projects, and help shape the company’s strategic direction, advancing our mission to reduce energy costs and accelerate the UK’s net-zero carbon goals.

To facilitate your success, we will provide an innovative and forward-thinking environment, a forum to express and test ideas, and interesting work with challenge and opportunity.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead a Growing Team: Build, manage, and inspire a team of experts across disciplines like geology, data analysis, thermodynamics, and engineering.
• Strategic Innovation: Play a key role in defining Kensa’s strategic direction, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance our competitive advantage.
• Stay Ahead of Trends: Monitor industry developments, proactively identifying how innovation can address business challenges in the short, medium, and long term.
• Secure Funding: Develop business cases, secure grants, and obtain external funding to support new initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, academia, and industry, representing Kensa’s interests effectively.
• Champion Our Vision: Act as an ambassador, presenting technical concepts in accessible terms to diverse audiences.
• Remove Adoption Barriers: Identify and develop solutions to overcome challenges that may affect the widespread adoption of our technologies.

Full job description can be found here -> Innovation Manager JD - KCL

About You

We are looking for a dynamic Innovation Manager who thrives in fast-paced environments and can adapt to varying challenges, no two days will be the same.

• Educational Background: Doctorate in a relevant science or engineering discipline, with a strong research record.
• Industry Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the renewable heating sector or related industries.
• Leadership and Influence: A proven thought leader with experience engaging with industry stakeholders and the wider public.
• Project Management: Demonstrated success in leading complex projects, managing budgets, and achieving results.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to critically assess varied information sources and guide strategic decision-making.
• Creative Problem- Solving: The ability to think on your feet as you will often work outside of your comfort zone to solve problems and provide insights across the business.
• Effective Communicator: Skilled in explaining complex technical topics to different audiences and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Passion for Learning: A proactive, inquisitive approach with a strong drive for personal and professional development.

How will Kensa support you?

• We encourage and support development, including internal and external courses, learning, study, and software, all bespoke to you.
• Wellbeing: free 24/7 access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Support for a balanced work-life approach, enabling remote or hybrid work settings.
• 25 days holiday increasing to 30 days (plus bank holidays) for 5+ years’ service.
• Private Health Insurance is available after one year of service.
• Automatic enrolment in our company pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help lower your carbon footprint whilst boosting endorphins and your health.
• Team Culture: Regular Kensa events and activities for staff and families, encouraging us to celebrate, connect, and enjoy work together.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a company where innovation, responsibility, and passion drive everything we do, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future!