Product and Innovation Lead

at  Vanderlande Industries

Job Title
Product and Innovation Lead
Job Description
Reports to: Senior Manager – Key Account (Heathrow)
Location: London – Heathrow
Contract Type: Permanent
Introduction to role
The Product and Innovation Lead plays a pivotal role in overseeing product development, driving innovation, and aligning product and service strategies within our strategic partnership with Heathrow Airport. This role involves end-to-end management of the product lifecycle, including strategy formulation, stakeholder alignment, and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality products and exceptional customer value.
Role Responsibilities
Working across tech and non-tech teams, the Product Lead will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation which supports our short and long-term strategic goals at London Heathrow Airport.

Your responsibilities and activities will include:

• Own the Innovation roadmap in our strategic partnership with Heathrow Airport. Develop, communicate, and execute a clear and compelling product strategy that aligns with the partnerships vision and goals. Identify emerging trends and opportunities to shape the future roadmap.
• Lead the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch and ongoing refinement. Define requirements, prioritize features, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Drive innovation across product and service offerings, ensuring a forward-thinking approach that meets evolving customer needs. Inspire creativity and implement new methodologies to foster innovative solutions.
• Identify and track innovation opportunities and knowledge share across Vanderlande EMEA LATAM airport network in collaboration with our service excellence teams.
• Conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback sessions to inform product / service strategies. Leverage insights to anticipate trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Heathrow, DHL, Airlines and Handlers to align product goals with organisational objectives. Facilitate effective communication and feedback loops to enhance product outcomes.
• Ensure a customer-centric approach by understanding and prioritising customer needs. Work closely with the Team Heathrow Baggage SLT to deliver products that enhance system performance and capacity, whilst recognising the customer experience.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and continuous learning on the premise of learn fast.

Role Qualification and Skills

• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy aligned with the short and longer term strategic goals of both Heathrow Airport and Vanderlande.
• Skilled in conducting market research and data analysis to inform product decisions and anticipate shifts in the aviation / material handling market
• Strong project management / change skills, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high standards
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, challenge the status quo, and bring fresh ideas to product and service offerings
• Deep understanding of customer needs, with a focus on delivering products that meet or exceed customer expectations
• Familiarity with both tech and non-tech sectors, with the ability to bridge gaps between technical teams and business objectives
• Experience in product management, innovation leadership, process engineering or a related role
• Proven track record in managing the full product lifecycle and driving product-led growth

What we offer

• 28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)
• Bupa Medical Cover
• YuLife – Wellbeing membership with fast access to GP appointments, promotion of health and wellbeing along with daily quests to gain Yucoins that can be swapped for shopping vouchers
• A challenging work environment with lots of opportunities of career progression.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Pension with Aviva
• Access to Achievers an award-winning recognition platform that inspires to recognise your coworkers Where points are awarded that can be exchanged for a range of goods and discounts

Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age marital status or disability status. If you feel there is a barrier that potentially prevents you from applying, we are always happy to discuss or explore, any reasonable adjustments can be made to support your application.

Your responsibilities and activities will include:

• Own the Innovation roadmap in our strategic partnership with Heathrow Airport. Develop, communicate, and execute a clear and compelling product strategy that aligns with the partnerships vision and goals. Identify emerging trends and opportunities to shape the future roadmap.
• Lead the entire product lifecycle from ideation to launch and ongoing refinement. Define requirements, prioritize features, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Drive innovation across product and service offerings, ensuring a forward-thinking approach that meets evolving customer needs. Inspire creativity and implement new methodologies to foster innovative solutions.
• Identify and track innovation opportunities and knowledge share across Vanderlande EMEA LATAM airport network in collaboration with our service excellence teams.
• Conduct thorough market research, competitive analysis, and customer feedback sessions to inform product / service strategies. Leverage insights to anticipate trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Heathrow, DHL, Airlines and Handlers to align product goals with organisational objectives. Facilitate effective communication and feedback loops to enhance product outcomes.
• Ensure a customer-centric approach by understanding and prioritising customer needs. Work closely with the Team Heathrow Baggage SLT to deliver products that enhance system performance and capacity, whilst recognising the customer experience.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and continuous learning on the premise of learn fast

Role Qualification and Skills

• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive product strategy aligned with the short and longer term strategic goals of both Heathrow Airport and Vanderlande.
• Skilled in conducting market research and data analysis to inform product decisions and anticipate shifts in the aviation / material handling market
• Strong project management / change skills, with a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high standards
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, challenge the status quo, and bring fresh ideas to product and service offerings
• Deep understanding of customer needs, with a focus on delivering products that meet or exceed customer expectations
• Familiarity with both tech and non-tech sectors, with the ability to bridge gaps between technical teams and business objectives
• Experience in product management, innovation leadership, process engineering or a related role
• Proven track record in managing the full product lifecycle and driving product-led growt