GLCCA Head of Innovation

Head of Innovation

Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA)

Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week

Salary: £65,878 - £71,709

Location: Lincoln (on-site, with travel)

Closing Date: July 9th 2026

Interviews: July 17th 2026

Be the driving force behind innovation, investment and growth in Greater Lincolnshire.

Greater Lincolnshire is one of the UK's most important centres for agri-food, energy, defence, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. We are ambitious for our future and are seeking an leader to help turn that ambition into reality.

We are looking for a Head of Innovation to lead the delivery of the Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Strategy and develop a thriving innovation ecosystem that supports businesses, attracts investment and accelerates economic growth across the area.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Growth and Investment, you will work at the forefront of regional growth, engaging with businesses, universities, government departments, investors and research organisations to secure opportunities that enhance productivity, commercialisation and competitiveness.

About the Role

This is a leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering innovation programmes and investment opportunities across Greater Lincolnshire. You will oversee a portfolio of innovation initiatives and funding programmes valued at over £27 million while helping to secure new investment and partnerships for the area.

You will:

• Lead the implementation of the Greater Lincolnshire Innovation Strategy.
• Develop and manage innovation programmes that support business growth and productivity.
• Secure funding and investment from public and private sector sources.
• Build strong relationships with businesses, universities, UK Government, UKRI, research organisations and investors.
• Champion opportunities in sectors including agri-tech, food manufacturing, defence, energy, AI and advanced technologies.
• Provide strategic advice to the Mayor, Board, Chief Executive and senior leadership team.
• Lead and develop a high-performing innovation team.

About You

We're looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader with a passion for innovation and economic growth.

You will bring:

• Experience of leading innovation, economic development, research, technology or commercial growth programmes.
• A proven track record of securing funding, investment and strategic partnerships.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across public, private and academic sectors.
• Excellent leadership skills and experience of managing teams and resources.
• The ability to translate innovative ideas into practical programmes that deliver real economic impact.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of innovation in Greater Lincolnshire and play a leading role in delivering the region's economic ambitions.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence regional and national innovation priorities.
• Work with senior leaders across government, business and academia.
• Manage significant innovation investment programmes.
• Help create jobs, drive productivity and attract investment into Greater Lincolnshire.
• Make a lasting contribution to one of the UK's most important regional economies.

Join us and help make Greater Lincolnshire one of the UK's leading innovation areas.

Employer
Please note, this role is with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), not with Lincolnshire County Council.

Location and travel
The role will be based on-site in Lincoln, with expected travel across Greater Lincolnshire and to partner locations.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and complete the covering statement section of the application form. In no more than 1,000 words, explain how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Enquiries
If you have any questions about this role or the recruitment process, please email Ruth.Carver@greaterlincolnshire-cca.gov.uk.

Right to work and sponsorship
These roles are not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority does not currently hold a Home Office sponsor licence. Applicants must therefore have the existing right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

Our values and transformation
The postholder is expected to uphold GLCCA’s values and contribute to organisational transformation.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding awareness is essential; all employees must follow GLCCA’s safeguarding policies when working with vulnerable individuals.

Adjustments and accessibility
We welcome applications from everyone. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the process, please tell us at the email above and we will make arrangements.