Innovation Manager

Job content

About RM

RM is the leading supplier of technology and resources to the education sector, supporting schools, teachers and learners, enabling the improvement of educational outcomes worldwide. We work across the industry from pre-school to higher education and professional qualification, our customers include schools, examination boards, central governments and other professional institutions. We have a clear purpose to enrich the lives of learners worldwide.

Join RM and Learn What’s Possible for you in your career

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• 25 Days Annual Leave (with an option to buy an extra 5 days)
• Performance related bonus scheme (if applicable)

What’s the purpose of the role?

The purpose of this role is to create drive and to deliver on time, new and innovative products for the Early Years and Primary curriculum market with a heavy focus on the application of technology in the classroom – from Early Years through to KS3.

To thoroughly understand the market and forthcoming initiatives within the education sector in Early Years and Primary, working with current and establishing new, advisors, influencers and opinion formers. A key focus is to gain valuable insights into what the classroom of tomorrow might look like, how that could be realised and how technology plays a part.

What does the job entail?

• Idea generation with a focus on using readily available and emerging technology in the retail/home market and adapting it for the education market.
• Learn and know the education market inside out, how it differs from other industries and the barriers to entry for technology-based resources.
• Develop excellent long-term relationships with leading advisers, teachers and educationalists to provide valid input into the TTS product range
• 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 TTS Developed ranges within their specialist area
• Understand the competition and ensure products are differentiated within the marketplace and offer value for money
• Support the Innovation Team overall – supporting with concept delivery from all areas of the innovation team including EY, ICT and Curriculum

What are we looking for?

• Experience working within a hardware and software technology environment and creating ideas/products with the end user in mind.
• Using customer feedback to develop, shape and conceive ideas for our next range of resources.
• Experience working in an NPD arena - particularly desirable is any experience of AI, VR or immersive environments.
• 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)

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, you could earn a performance related bonus and you would receive our core benefits package which includes private medical healthcare, life assurance and a Group Personal Pension Plan with higher contribution levels available.

There is lots of voluntary benefits too. You could buy additional annual leave, join our dental plan, sign for a health assessment or take part in our cycle to work scheme. You could even earn yourself an extra bonus for successfully recommending a friend or family member for a position within RM.

At RM we are committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve, and to creating an inclusive and flexible workplace where all our colleagues can be themselves and succeed on merit.