Innovation Management Placement (12 months)

Are you interested in developing fascinating innovation projects on aerospace and defence topics? Do you like connecting with people from many different organisations and countries?

Innovation Management team is a pivotal role in driving the growth of Airbus’s innovation pipeline. This multifaceted role is designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge startup-styled technology and industrial application. You will be responsible for coaching innovation projects, cultivating a vibrant external startup ecosystem, and ensuring the seamless operational running of the Airbus Launchpad facility.

As part of this team your main mission and responsibilities will be to ensure that:

• The business cases of innovation projects (in particular in incubation, acceleration and implementation phases) are strong and convincing. Supporting the teams we coach by challenging their business assumptions and looking at ideas for future revenue options;
• The teams identify customer pain points, Unique Selling Propositions (USPs), Value Propositions, Go-To-Market Plans, IP protection and generation of a stand-out pitch presentation;
• Support teams as they develop their Minimal Viable Products and live demonstrations;
• Understand the Innovation ecosystem, providing a consistent picture of all;
• Innovation/start-ups challenges and events relevant for the Airbus Defence and Space organisation;
• Identify, track and form relationships with start-ups of interest to Airbus Defence and Space and suggest ways that we can work better together;
• Maximise Airbus opportunities from External Funding to support our Innovation topics;
• Encourage an environment of Innovation within the everyday life of the Airbus community;
• The innovation team internal communication is kept dynamic, current and engaging;
• The innovation team has the required level support in terms of market and industry reports.

What you will be doing:

As part of the UK Innovation Management team, you will gain hands-on experience in innovation strategy, project coaching, and ecosystem development. You will contribute to the following areas:

Innovation Management

Focus: Driving the maturity and viability of internal projects.

• Project Coaching: Support teams through incubation to transition; support business case development, value proposition definition, IP protection, and pitch preparation.
• MVP Support: Guide teams in developing Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) and technical demonstrations.
• Research & Intelligence: Conduct industry research and identify external funding opportunities to support innovation strategy.
• Community Building: Drive the UK Innovation Club, manage the "BlueBox" Internal Innovation campaign, and grow the Launchpad community.
• Communication: Oversee internal innovation communications, execute external communication plans, manage the quarterly newsletter, and maintain the R&T Live Hub.

Ecosystem Engagement

Focus: Building bridges between Airbus and the startup/tech community.

• Scouting & Mapping: Map the innovation landscape and identify/track startups for potential collaboration.
• Networking: Facilitate partnerships between innovation suppliers and the Launchpad program; scout startups for upcoming cohorts.

Support Airbus Launchpad & Operations

Focus: Managing the Stevenage innovation hub.

• Business Development: Attract new startups and promote Launchpad capabilities.
• Operational Excellence: Plan and execute workshops, hackathons, and networking events to foster community engagement and innovation.

Requirements:

Our placements are open to Undergraduates only. Therefore it is mandatory for candidates to be an undergraduate for the whole duration of the placement. Please inform your graduation date on your application.

Please ensure you include your CV and a cover letter for your application to be considered.

As the successful candidate, you must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Studying for a relevant Product Design, Engineering or Business degree;
• Knowledge of Defence and Space industries;
• A strong interest in innovation, creativity, curiosity, openness, team spirit;
• The ability to listen, understand and communicate information;
• The desire to work in a technical team environment;
• A strong interest in developing yourself;
• A negotiation level in English, other European languages such as French, German or Spanish will be an asset (but not essential).

Benefits:

• Salary: £24,500
• 35 hours per week
• Flexible working hours
• Hybrid working options available depending on the role
• Half day Fridays!
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

SECURITY CLEARANCE: You will be subject to a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) check. You may also need to gain UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control, depending on the role.

Please let us know if you need us to make any adjustments to allow you to access and participate fully in the recruitment process. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us. Any information disclosed will be treated in the strictest confidence.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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