Head of Innovation

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to: Head of Technology & Innovation

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Innovation is a key driver of the next phase of growth in industrial automation. As Head of Innovation within the Energy Industry division, you will shape the future beyond the existing portfolio by identifying breakthrough technologies, creating new growth platforms, and building an integrated automation and digital ecosystem that delivers measurable customer and business value. 

This is a highly visible leadership role with broad influence across technology, product management, digital solutions, strategy, and external partners. You will transform ideas into scalable offerings, accelerate the development of future anchor products, strengthening intellectual property creation, and help define how industrial automation evolves in an increasingly digital and AI-enabled world. 

*This job is open for worldwide global candidates - not restricted to the mentioned locations. 

Relocation and Visa support is not allowed. If selected, you will be hosted in your country at the nearest ABB business location 

The work model is: Hybrid 

Main responsibilities:

Define and execute the innovation strategy aligned with long-term business growth priorities. 

Identify, incubate, and scale new technologies, products, and business models within industrial automation and digital solutions. 

Lead the end-to-end innovation pipeline from opportunity identification through validation and productization readiness. 

Build and expand a connected ecosystem of strategic partners, including customers, technology providers, startups, and academic institutions. 

Shape technology roadmaps and investment priorities for automation, digital, and AI-enabled solutions. 

Drive intellectual property development, protection, and value creation through a structured innovation framework. 

Translate emerging customer needs and market trends into differentiated offerings and future growth opportunities. 

Foster a strong innovation culture and enable cross-functional collaboration across product management, R&D, digital, and commercial teams. 

Qualifications for the role:

12+ years of experience within industrial automation, control systems, digital technologies, or closely related industrial technology sectors. 

Proven success leading innovation, portfolio management, product management, or R&D initiatives in complex global organizations. 

Proven experience in intellectual property management, including patent development, technology protection, and translating innovation into competitive differentiation. 

Deep understanding of automation, software, digital platforms, data-driven solutions, and AI-enabled technologies. 

Demonstrated experience building innovation pipelines, technology roadmaps, and new business opportunities from concept to market. 

Track record of developing strategic partnerships and collaborating across industry ecosystems. 

Experience driving intellectual property, patent development, or technology differentiation initiatives. 

Effective customer and market orientation with the ability to connect technology innovation to business outcomes. 

Global leadership experience with exceptional stakeholder management, collaboration, and communication skills. 

This opportunity is open to candidates in multiple countries, with the final work location determined based on the selected candidate. As compensation may vary by location, we are committed to being transparent throughout the hiring process and will share details of the salary range, variable compensation and benefits package with candidates who progress to the first interview stage for a location in the European Union, covered by the EU Pay Transparency Directive. 

The final offer will be tailored based on your role location, experience, skills and qualifications, internal market positioning and alignment with ABB internal standards.  

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.