Innovation Manager

at  Ruth Lee Ltd

Innovation Manager
Reporting to: Managing Director
Ruth Lee Ltd is the world’s leading manufacturer of training manikins for the search, rescue, and care industries.
As a proud member of the Protect Medical Group, we sell to professionals in over 50 countries worldwide to a vast array of sectors, including Fire and Rescue services, Paramedics, and Ministry of Defence just to name a few. Our customers are true heroes, and we are proud to supply products that help them train to save lives.
A business is only as strong as its people though. We have a great, committed team here at Ruth Lee and everyone enjoys a wide range of lifestyle and work life benefits, in a workplace which is inclusive and supportive.

MORE ABOUT US

Based in a beautiful part of North Wales, we operate on a global scale and are consistently recognised at regional and national awards, having won numerous accolades for export success and innovation. In 2020, we won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in and in 2024, The King’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation.
We are committed to helping the communities we serve and maintain three social commitment projects at a local, national and international level. All staff are welcome and encouraged to be part of these and to suggest ideas for various projects we can support.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Tertiary educated – Business/Marketing degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years NPD or Product Marketing experience
• Knowledge of NPD processes and project planning

JOB REQUIREMENTS/SKILLS:

• Gain a full understanding of company strategy, product range and manufacturing process
• Build relationships with key stakeholders (Managing Director, Operations Director, Sales and Marketing Managers, Factory NPD Team, key customers)
• Gain a full understanding of how manikins are used in specific sectors and training scenarios (including via customer visits) in UK and key export markets
• Look for new product opportunities (other than training manikins)
• Adopt clear project planning, processes and reporting, showing project objectives/outcomes/ROI
• Work with stakeholders to develop and test new product prototypes
• In liaison with Operations Director calculate and carefully document costs of each project, including time allocation and any materials used.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Driving License
• Permission to live and work in UK and to travel internationally if required
• Located within reasonable commuting distance of RL office

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a newly created, key role in the business aimed at driving sustainable growth. By developing new products and services, and adopting new technologies to better anticipate and fulfil customer training needs you will enhance the Ruth Lee brand and reputation as a global innovator.