Innovation Acceleration Manager
We believe that this is a very special place and we are delighted to have been ranked in the UK’s Best Workplaces awards. Working at Belron® International Limited means collaborating with intelligent, driven associates to solve people’s problems with real care. We know this will be the best place you’ll ever work. -- Closing date for applications: 8th May 2026 If you’re considering applying and would like to learn more about the role, as well as the skills and experience we’re looking for, we’d encourage you to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, Luke Berry, before submitting an application. Role Purpose & Summary Ensure Belron maintains and extends technical leadership in Vehicle Glass Repair & Replacement (VGRR) by defining, validating, and industrialising new tools, materials, and supporting processes that make technician work safer, faster, and right first time. Operates the innovation pipeline from discovery to scale up, with specific leadership accountability for defining and delivering new projects as required by business strategic direction, safety & legislative requirements, competitor and market activity and operational or job quality needs. 2) Accountabilities & Responsibilities 1) Discover: Map technician pain points, monitor competitor tools, identify gaps. 2) Define: Own product requirements, specs, business cases, evaluation protocols, lead definition of Innovation pipeline for all areas of responsibility. 3) Develop: Lead trials, testing, validation, supplier engagement, ensuring all projects move efficiently through the pipeline. 4) Deliver: Pilot outcomes, define readiness criteria, work with BU’s & Supply Chain to define rollout needs, support Group Training to create implementation packs, oversee successful delivery of all identified projects. 5) Safety & Quality: Liaise with group Safety colleagues & prioritise incident reducing innovations. 6) Governance & Portfolio: Maintain roadmap and report progress to line management. Success Metrics: Safety improvements, increased tech engagement, reduced rework, Key Account recognition, on time milestone delivery, adoption of new tools, and validated, scalable deployment. 1)Key Relationships & Communication Business Units, Technical Excellence, Training, Safety, SH&W, Sales/KA, Procurement, Supply Chain, Legal/IP, external design and supplier partners. The Person: Essential Work Experience Engineering or product development background. Proven delivery of tool-related innovation. Strong communication and stakeholder management. Experience running field trials and evaluation programmes. Essential Knowledge & Skills Strong leadership skills Good communication skills Proven track record in building partnerships Knowledge of chemistry / resins (desirarable) Level of Education Product development, engineering or science related Degree (desirable) -- This exciting role comes a very competitive salary and an extensive benefits package. To All Applicants: Unfortunately, it is not going to be possible to respond to every application so if you have not heard back from us within 7 days, please assume that, unfortunately, your application has not been successful.