Job Description

SES Engineering Services are looking for a Head of Technical Innovation to lead our Technical Excellence Centre and TEC Hub, driving technical innovation, MEP design & engineering excellence and standardisation across SES and contributing to the wider Wates Group strategy.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the SES Board, the Head of Technical Innovation will be responsible for developing and implementing a responsible technical innovation strategy that aligns with SES's business vision and Group ambitions. This strategic leadership role will focus on identifying new opportunities, mitigating risks, and delivering thought leadership that enhances safety, sustainability, productivity, and project performance.
As the Head of Technical Innovation, you will inspire and enable innovation across SES, fostering a culture of responsible disruption and excellence in design and engineering. You will lead the Technical Excellence Centre and TEC Hub, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to drive product and materials innovation, digital transformation, and strategic growth.
You will also play a critical role in market research, trend analysis, and technology scouting, identifying strategic partnerships with customers, research institutions, start-ups, and industry experts to accelerate innovation and enhance performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement a technical innovation strategy that drives business and project performance, margin growth, differentiation, and competitive advantage.
Integrate technical innovation and MEP design & engineering into SES's digital transformation strategy, improving safety, sustainability, and project outcomes.
Champion the Building Safety Act and embed its principles into SES.
Establish and nurture strategic partnerships to leverage external expertise and accelerate innovation.
Promote a culture of experimentation, rapid prototyping, and continual improvement.
Oversee governance, compliance, and reporting to the SES Board.
Own critical friend frameworks and drive technical innovation through subject matter expertise.
Lead the Technical Excellence Centre and TEC Hub, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing across SES and Wates Group.
Manage the technical innovation budget, including recruitment, training, PR, and innovation-led investments.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We're seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record in technical innovation, MEP design & engineering, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. You'll be passionate about driving change, influencing culture, and delivering measurable impact through innovation.
You'll have experience in leading innovation initiatives, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and integrating emerging technologies into business strategy. A strong understanding of the MEP sector, along with expertise in MEP design, engineering, and digital transformation, is essential.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive salary & Profit Share
Car Allowance / Car Scheme
Flexible working
Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, generous employers' pension contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + your Birthday off + bank holidays and much more.
Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.
SES are committed to the fair treatment of people with criminal records, including employees and potential employees. We ensure that our recruitment, promotion, and retention activity does not treat people less favourably because of an offending background.
Basic Check:
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
SES Engineering Services (SES) is recognised as one of the leading M&E partners in the UK. Specialising in the design and installation of building services and infrastructure solutions, SES covers all aspects of M&E engineering.
We are driven by our purpose, 'reimagining places for people to thrive' and our three promises:
Thriving places - working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet - protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people - creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in, and treated with care.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
PLACEHOLDER

Skills Required