Innovation Operations Lead

The Opportunity

Hitachi Energy is looking for a forward-thinking Innovation Operations Lead to accelerate the execution of our global innovation agenda within the Business Unit Transformers. In this pivotal role, you will build and run the operational engine that powers our innovation ecosystem, enabling high-impact pilots, startup collaborations, and cross-functional innovation programs to run with consistency, speed, and quality.

You will own innovation frameworks, governance models, and operational processes that allow teams to scout emerging technologies, validate solutions, and scale successful innovations. Working closely with startups, partners, and internal teams, you will turn ideas into tangible business outcomes that strengthen competitiveness and shape the future of energy. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic priorities and operate in a global, entrepreneurial environment where experimentation and bold thinking are encouraged.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead day-to-day innovation operations, ensuring effective coordination, prioritization, and execution of initiatives
• Develop and continuously improve innovation processes and governance frameworks to support structured experimentation and decision-making
• Build and manage scalable engagement models with startups, universities, partners, and VCs to support scouting and pilot execution
• Coordinate legal and compliance aspects of innovation projects, enabling smooth and responsible collaboration
• Oversee innovation lab operations, ensuring readiness for rapid experimentation and safe, efficient use of resources
• Support innovation and technology teams with frameworks for project setup, tracking, risk management, and reporting
• Monitor and report on innovation performance, including KPIs, risks, and learning outcomes
• Manage budgets and resources for pilots and programs while fostering a collaborative, high-performance innovation culture

Your Background

• Degree in Engineering, Innovation Management, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in innovation, technology operations, or similar roles in global, matrixed organizations
• Proven expertise in process design, governance frameworks, operational excellence, and project/program management
• Experience working in fast-paced innovation environments, including agile execution and scaling initiatives
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across diverse, global teams

More about us

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us, in work and out.

We can provide more information during the recruitment process.

We are committed to full transparency and compliance with all legal requirements, ensuring that every candidate knows exactly what to expect at each stage of the recruitment process. Once the process is successfully completed, we will share detailed information about financial conditions and benefits with the selected candidate. Before signing the employment contract, you will receive all remaining details of the offer, giving you the time and space to review everything carefully.

Applicable only for Poland location align with local law regulations.

Apply now

Current employees apply here

Client-provided location(s): Krakow, Poland, Łódź, Poland

Job ID: Hitachi_Energy-JID3-194024

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2026-05-18T23:34:11