Innovation Manager
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2161 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 45% sure that is the right code. MWH Treatment Limited is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Likely 2161 (Research and development (R&D) managers) · 45% match
- Likely 2431 (Management consultants and business analysts) · 26% match
- Likely 2440 (Business and financial project management professionals) · 15% match
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2161 Research and development (R&D) managers Most likely code | £38,100 | £43,500 | £48,900 | £54,400 |
2431 Management consultants and business analysts Also possible | £35,100 | £40,200 | £45,200 | £50,200 |
2440 Business and financial project management professionals Also possible | £39,500 | £45,200 | £50,800 | £56,500 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
We are seeking an Innovation Manager to shape and deliver our innovation strategy, identifying new opportunities, technologies and ways of working that improve how we deliver projects and create value for our customers.
Working across the business and with external partners, you will turn ideas into practical solutions, leading innovation from concept through to pilot and business case development. This is a key leadership role focused on keeping MWH Treatment at the forefront of innovation within the water and infrastructure sector.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement our innovation strategy and roadmap.
• Create and manage an innovation pipeline that progresses ideas from concept to implementation.
• Identify emerging technologies, industry trends and new delivery approaches that can provide competitive advantage.
• Lead pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives to validate new ideas and solutions.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, technology providers, industry bodies and academia to accelerate innovation opportunities.
• Develop compelling business cases that demonstrate value, investment requirements and expected benefits.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging collaboration, creativity and continuous improvement across the business.
• Represent MWH Treatment externally, showcasing innovation capability and supporting strategic client engagement.
Essential Criteria
- Significant experience leading innovation, transformation, digital or strategic improvement programmes within a complex operational environment.
- Proven ability to take ideas from concept through pilot, validation and implementation.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to assess opportunities, risks and business value.
- Experience developing business cases and securing stakeholder support for innovation initiatives.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within the water, utilities, engineering, construction or infrastructure sectors.
- Experience applying AI, automation, digital technologies, data analytics or modern methods of construction to improve business performance.
- Experience working with technology providers, academia, research organisations or innovation networks.
- Evidence of industry thought leadership, external representation or innovation-related achievements.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, technology, innovation, business transformation or a related discipline.
MWH Treatment is an integrated design and build provider working in the water sector. With over 1,400 staff working across eight regional centres, supporting six long-term water sector frameworks and two recently won frameworks, operating both as a sole contractor but also in joint ventures and alliances.
At MWH Treatment we believe that people matter. We know to build successful, creative teams we need a diverse workforce that can deliver innovative ways of thinking. We provide an environment where you will have the freedom to develop and grow to your full potential, creating opportunity by inviting, embracing, and celebrating difference, our goal as an employer is to motivate, and develop our employees. By fostering a diverse range of talents and perspectives we ensure we have the breadth of viewpoints, experiences, and skills needed to succeed. Embracing diversity of all kinds enables us to provide a work environment and culture that plays a key role in attracting and retaining the right people with the right skills.
As signatories to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, we have made a promise to support our forces, working with the CTP to help ex veterans find work in the civilian world. We also support Mates in Mind, a charitable programme to improve and promote positive mental health in the workplace. We don’t just tick boxes; we live these values every day.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with MWH Treatment Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Research and development (R&D) managers (SOC 2161) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~83k in sample- Middle half £45,448–73,580
- Median £56,992
- Going rate £54,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,100–48,900
Similar sponsored roles
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About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. MWH Treatment Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2161 going rate of £54,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.