As the Innovation Lead, you will lead the strategic development and implementation of all innovation initiatives, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence. Your mission is to be the creative and technical visionary, positioning the iLab as an indispensable partner for client growth and creative excellence.

You will lead a talented team of creative technologists, guiding them to explore, develop, and embed next-generation technologies (AI, VP, AR/VR, automation) into the fabric of our agency. Blending strategic foresight with inspirational leadership, you will be responsible for defining our innovation strategy, transforming our creative capabilities, and proving the strategic value of the iLab proposition.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Define the Strategy & Vision for Innovation

• Develop and execute a clear innovation strategy and creative roadmap that aligns with agency business goals, with AI at its core.
• Act as the agency's lead consultant and thought leader on emerging technology, identifying opportunities for integration across creative processes and client solutions.
• In partnership with Operations, position iLab as the agency’s engine for future-facing creative solutions, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends.

1. Power Creative Innovation & Prove Effectiveness

• Lead the team in the hands-on development and deployment of high-impact proofs of concept and bespoke AI-powered solutions that push creative boundaries.
• Guide the team's R&D process, overseeing the identification, evaluation, and creative application of new technologies, tools, and platforms.
• Establish creative benchmarks and frameworks to measure and articulate the impact of innovation, focusing on creative quality, campaign effectiveness, and client results.

1. Grow the iLab Proposition & Client Partnerships

• Serve as the senior innovation partner in driving commercial growth, identifying new strategic opportunities and leading high-level client conversations.
• Engage directly with clients as a strategic consultant, helping them understand the business potential of AI and creative technology to solve their biggest challenges.
• Present and champion innovation concepts, strategies, and creative solutions to internal teams and clients, establishing the iLab as essential creative partners.

1. Build a Culture of Exploration & Collaboration

• Lead, manage, and mentor the innovation team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture that encourages knowledge-sharing, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Champion collaborative, hands-on upskilling by embedding your team with creative, artwork, and production to bring innovation directly into live delivery.
• Work closely alongside the Head of Operations to ensure a seamless partnership between creative exploration and operational execution.

Key Skills:

• Strategic & Creative Vision: Proven ability to develop a technical vision that drives creative excellence and supports commercial growth.
• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading, managing, and mentoring a multi-disciplinary technical or creative team.
• Expert Communicator: The ability to articulate complex technical concepts as powerful, persuasive ideas to clients and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Data-Informed Mindset: A strong understanding of how to use data and AI/machine learning techniques to extract actionable creative insights and measure effectiveness.
• Passion for Innovation: A deep expertise in the creative technology landscape—especially AI—and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is possible.