Innovation Implementation Senior Manager

The business-led innovation team (Vista) within bp Supply Trading & Shipping (ST&S) is set up with the mission to help future-proof the organisation. The team focuses on addressing three core questions:How can technologies today solve yesterday’s problems faced by ST&S?How can technologies of tomorrow provide a commercial competitive edge today?What do we need to do, think, and change in behaviour in a rapidly evolving business landscape?Vista is a global, agile, impact-driven, and solution-agnostic team focused on identifying and leveraging innovative technologies, business models, and ecosystem partnerships to address commercial opportunities.Vista is seeking an experienced Innovation Implementation Senior Manager to join its global implementation team. This is a senior leadership role with line management responsibility for three individuals.This role sits at the centre of Vista’s innovation delivery model, translating prioritised opportunities into validated, scalable products. It requires a balance of product judgement, focused execution, and the ability to test, learn, and refine solutions in close collaboration with end users.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESInnovation Project DeliveryOwn end-to-end delivery of innovation initiatives from approved concept through PoC, pilot, and transition into the bp ecosystemTranslate business problems into clear problem statements, testable hypotheses, delivery plans, and success metricsApply principled validation to prioritise higher-value opportunities and reduce low-impact deliveryMake evidence-based decisions to continue, pivot, or stop initiatives based on user feedback and commercial signalsDeliver to agreed scope, timelines, quality standards, and budgets, balancing trade-offs between speed, cost, learning, and valueLead solutioning across internal build, external partners, and hybrid delivery modelsSecure functional and technical resources, balancing ambition with cost and capacity constraintsAct as single point of accountability for third-party delivery, ensuring milestones, costs, and outcomes are metMaintain clear, trackable delivery plans and reporting across all initiativesProduct Leadership and Agile Delivery ExcellenceSet and uphold product management standards, including vision, prioritisation, customer discovery, and outcome-led roadmapsLead rapid, iterative product development using prototypes, MVPs, and controlled pilotsWork directly with end users to test, refine, and validate solutionsEnsure squads operate with agile practices and predictable delivery cadenceAct as escalation point for product managers, unblocking delivery and strengthening decision-makingChallenge assumptions and guide teams toward evidence-based outcomesChampion lightweight experimentation frameworks to accelerate learning cyclesMaintain alignment with ST&S Technology delivery teams and strategic prioritiesTransition, Scale and Integration ReadinessOwn transition and scale planning following PoC, ensuring solutions move effectively into Technology ownershipDefine clear handover artefacts to support scaling and avoid value lossSet realistic delivery timelines and hold internal and external partners accountableEnsure smooth, well-governed handover into Technology-led support teamsDefine clear exit criteria for initiatives that do not progress, collecting learning and avoiding sunk costPortfolio, Governance and Financial StewardshipLead the implementation portfolio, tracking progress, risks, dependencies, and outcomesIntroduce and maintain clear indicators and delivery metrics to support a principled innovation modelOversee budgets, spend, and value realisation, intervening early where outcomes are at riskMaintain project delivery data, reporting metrics, and dashboardsOperate as a senior member of the Vista governance board, providing challenge and delivery insightSenior Leadership within VistaShape and improve Vista’s delivery processes, standards, and ways of workingCoach and develop team members, strengthening product delivery and techno-commercial judgementFoster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, rapid learning, and commercial impactChallenge stakeholders and influence decision-making to improve outcomesStay current with innovation, AI, and product delivery advancementsDirectly lead three globally dispersed Product Managers, setting clear performance expectationsESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLSExperience in innovation delivery, product management, or product-led transformation, taking concepts through to validated productsStrong product and project management capability, with experience in agile delivery environmentsProven ability to develop use cases, including commercial benefit analysis and value articulationExperience working with technology partners, ideally including startups or emerging technology providersExperience leading prototyping, validation, and early-stage product scalingStrong stakeholder management across global, matrixed organisationsAbility to challenge, influence, and operate effectively in ambiguous environmentsStrategic mindset with a focus on delivering measurable outcomesExperience working directly with end users to test and refine solutionsDESIRABLE EXPERIENCEExperience in corporate, startup, or corporate venturing / accelerator environmentsCommercial experience with a focus on value creation and business impactExposure to AI, data-driven products, or emerging technologiesUnderstanding of energy tradingWHY JOIN US?We’re committed to supporting leaders who want to make an impact. You’ll have the chance to shape and influence outcomes across businesses. You’ll be part of an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and where your contribution to performance and integration matters. We invest in the growth and wellbeing of our people, providing the resources, networks, and development opportunities needed to thrive. Our total rewards package includes competitive pay, bonuses, share options, and a range of flexible benefits designed to meet your needs. We recognise that people have multifaceted lives, and we strive to offer a career experience that reflects that.  

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