Innovation Programme Team Leader

About Us

Innovate Oxfordshire is the Innovation Service for Oxfordshire County Council, working to facilitate the organisation in future proofing for when today's innovation becomes mainstream, and leveraging innovation to benefit Oxfordshire's residents, communities and businesses. We are the largest Innovation Service in the country, a national leader in innovation in local government, and have been delivering cutting edge innovation projects for over a decade.

We are looking for a team leader to deliver our innovation programme, a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging across topic areas from transport to health and care, energy integration, environment and climate, amongst others, making it an exciting and varied post. Some of the current projects in delivery include CHORUS, NURISH, and Cultural Road:
Cocreate, Embrace. The Innovation Programme Team takes the lead on delivering externally funded projects, particularly grant‑funded initiatives, following the whole lifecycle of the projects from development to delivery and close down.

The Team Leader manages a multi‑disciplinary team of professionals with expertise in a range of topics, and will also draw on expertise from across other teams in the service to be able to deliver the programme of work.

You are a forward‑thinking leader, with experience in programme and project management of innovation initiatives. You have expertise within a relevant field which can be leveraged within the innovation programme delivery, and an understanding of local government. Whilst having a strong methodical approach in ensuring programme delivery, you also need to be creative and adaptable to the dynamic environment within the innovation sector.

You have excellent people and stakeholder engagement and management skills, and are able to negotiate and leverage opportunities and support from others. You are self‑motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a wider team.

If you are interested in the post, but aren't quite sure of the fit or have questions, we encourage you to contact us for an informal discussion about the role: kati and laur

• Flexible working culture
• Technology for agile working
• Up to 33 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Option to buy extra leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Local Government pension scheme (up to 19.9% employer's contribution)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Shopping and travel discounts
• Learning and development opportunities

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi‑time, part‑time working, job‑sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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