Product and Innovation Lead

Job TitleProduct 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.