Innovation Lead
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 25, 2026. Halma scores B on the Alion truth index.
Innovation Lead
Wolverhampton, UK (WV4 6FB) | Hybrid - flexible working | Permanent, Full-time £75,000 - £90,000 per annum + Strong benefits + Car allowance
About the Opportunity
Fortress Safety is looking for an Innovation Lead to drive sustainable, profitable growth by turning unmet customer needs and emerging technology into real commercial opportunities. Reporting to the Innovation Director, you'll shape ideas from early exploration through to validation, working across the business and with external partners to keep Fortress ahead in an evolving industrial landscape. This is a chance to build something that genuinely shapes where the business goes next.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead the identification, development and prioritisation of innovation opportunities aligned to Fortress strategy and market needs
Own and manage the innovation pipeline, progressing concepts from early exploration through to validated handover into Product, Engineering or other delivery teams
Work closely with R&D, Engineering, Product Management and Safety Services to explore feasibility, risk and value of new ideas
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, competitor activity and customer insight to inform opportunity identification
Facilitate ideation sessions, workshops and structured problem-solving activities across the business
Engage with customers, partners and external bodies to validate concepts and understand emerging needs
Support licensing, partnership and acquisition-related innovation activity where appropriate
Explore adjacent-market and platform innovation, not just incremental product development
Translate emerging technology trends into practical, value-led opportunities
What You'll Bring
A degree in Engineering, Product, Innovation, Business, or equivalent experience gained through relevant roles
Demonstrated experience working in innovation, R&D, product development, or a technically led commercial environment
Strong understanding of structured innovation approaches, applied pragmatically in a business context
Commercial awareness, with the ability to assess viability, value and risk alongside technical feasibility
Confidence engaging with engineering and technical teams, with the ability to challenge and influence constructively
A proven ability to work cross-functionally and progress initiatives without formal authority
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capability in ambiguous environments
Nice to Have
Experience as a Controls Engineer or in a related technical discipline
What We Offer
25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays
Option to work a 9-Day fortnight (compressed hours)
Employer pension contribution of up to 10.5%
Company bonus scheme
Annual Halma share vesting scheme
Airport parking discounts
Eyecare support
Cycle to work scheme
Long service recognition
Life assurance cover
About Fortress Safety
Since 1977, Fortress Safety has been the expert in machinery safety and interlocking, protecting people and equipment in hazardous environments worldwide from our Wolverhampton HQ, with operations across the USA, Europe, Australia, China and India. We're proud to be part of Halma plc, a FTSE 100 company with over 8,000 colleagues across 50+ businesses globally, all united by a purpose to build a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.
Inclusion & Accommodations
At Fortress, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues, and if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Apply Now
Ready to shape what's next for Fortress Safety? Apply today
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