Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Innovation and Emerging Technologies Manager to shape and deliver the College’s innovation agenda at a pivotal time in our 5-year strategy.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for developing and executing a clear, forward-looking roadmap for innovation, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies. You will ensure our technology assets, infrastructure, and products are leveraged to create measurable value for the College and its wider community.

About the Role

Reporting at a senior level, you will:

• Contribute to institutional strategy formation, aligning innovation priorities with the College’s vision and external opportunities.
• Develop and manage a diverse innovation pipeline — from ideation and incubation through to prototyping and pilot delivery.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, fostering a collaborative, experimental culture that embraces intelligent and fast failure.
• Investigate complex, institution-wide challenges and present creative, evidence-based solutions to senior leadership.
• Build compelling cases for change, balancing risk and reward across a managed portfolio of initiatives.
• Establish clear frameworks and metrics to evaluate impact, efficiency, and return on innovation investment.
• Champion innovation across the College, engaging staff, students, suppliers, and external partners in an active ecosystem.
• Build networks with peer institutions and sector bodies to represent and advance the College’s innovation interests.

You will oversee projects using methodologies such as Design Thinking, Agile, and Lean Startup, ensuring structured experimentation and timely delivery.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven experience shaping and delivering innovation strategy within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of innovation frameworks and their practical application.
• A confident understanding of emerging technologies and the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A creative, resilient approach to problem-solving in ambiguous environments.
• A Level 6 qualification (or equivalent experience).

This is an exciting opportunity to play a visible and influential role in positioning the College at the forefront of innovation and emerging technology.

If you are motivated to shape the future and create tangible impact, we encourage you to apply.

Closing for applications at 11.59pm on 23rd September 2026

Interview are expected to take place w/c 5th October 2026

RCA Benefits available here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/work-at-the-rca/staff-benefits/

The Royal College of Art (RCA)  aims to foster an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students and stakeholders are respected. 

We recognise the broad range of experiences that a diverse staff and student body brings and how this  strengthens our research and enhances our teaching. In order for RCA to remain a world-leading institution we are committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles throughout all of our processes, from application through to appointment.

Please tell us if you need any assistance in applying or if you need the information in a different format.

In your message to resourcing@rca.ac.uk include:

• the web address (URL) of the content
• your email address and name

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):