Innovation Project Manager

John Paul Construction is seeking a motivated and curious Innovation Project Manager. This is a full-time permanent role reporting directly to the Group Innovation Director. The successful candidate will play a central role in identifying, developing, and embedding innovative solutions across the business — from new materials and construction technologies to process improvements and digital tools. The role will work closely with Design Managers and Project Managers to collate information from across live projects and feed it into the innovation pipeline.

The role would suit a professional with a background in project management or engineering who has a genuine interest in innovation within the built environment. Construction industry experience is an advantage but is not a prerequisite

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Identification & Strategy

• Liaise with the Group Innovation Director to identify and evaluate potential innovations, new products, materials, construction methods, and emerging technologies.

• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and academic or research developments relevant to the construction sector.

• Assist in the development and periodic review of the company's Innovation Strategy and roadmap.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with internal stakeholders across operational and functional departments to identify challenges, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with project teams, and supply chain partners.

• Act as a point of contact for innovation queries from project teams and business functions.

• Represent the company at relevant industry events, working groups, and innovation forums

R&D Recording & Revenue Claims

• Engage with project stakeholders to identify, document, and maintain records of qualifying R&D activities in line with Revenue guidelines.

• Collate and track costs associated with R&D initiatives, including labour, materials, subcontractor costs, and overheads, in collaboration with the commercial and finance teams.

• Ensure appropriate contemporaneous records are maintained to support R&D tax credit claims.

• Develop annual R&D reports and manage the preparation of R&D tax credit claims for submission to Revenue.

• Liaise with external tax advisors, auditors, and Revenue as required in connection with R&D submissions.

• Support the coordination of queries and responses between project teams, third parties, and external consultants in connection with R&D submissions and innovation initiatives.

Innovation Workshops & Idea Development

• Support the planning, facilitation, and follow-up of innovation workshops and ideation sessions across the business.

• Develop structured processes to capture, evaluate, and prioritise ideas generated from workshops and day-to-day operations.

• Support pilot projects and proof-of-concept trials for selected innovations, tracking progress, outcomes, and lessons learned.

Communication & Knowledge Management

• Develop and deliver communications to promote innovation initiatives across the business, including internal newsletters, presentations, and project updates.

• Manage and maintain a centralised knowledge library of innovation initiatives, case studies, research, and outcomes for future reference.

• Support onboarding and training of project staff on innovation tools, processes, and R&D recording requirements.

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Company vehicle / allowance
• Pension and healthcare contribution
• Generous Relocation Allowance (where applicable),
• Career progression opportunities within a growing business
• Opportunity to work on high-profile and technically challenging projects
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

We fully embrace the right of all employees to work in an environment that ensures equal opportunity and treatment with dignity and respect.