Innovation Lead

Company DescriptionInstech.ie is Ireland’s leading innovation network for the insurance and insurtech ecosystem. We connect insurers, brokers, startups, and technology partners to accelerate digital transformation and innovation across the insurance value chain. Through collaboration, education, and experimentation, we help our members navigate the changing landscape of risk, technology, and customer expectations.Role DescriptionThe Innovation Lead will play a pivotal role in driving innovation capability and collaboration across the Irish insurance sector. The successful candidate will design and deliver innovation workshops, act as an innovation coach to member organisations, and help surface and shape new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and customer impact.In addition, the role will include corporate partnership development, engaging insurers, insurtechs, and technology partners to identify collaborative opportunities, co-develop pilot projects, and create meaningful innovation initiatives across the ecosystem.This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery, combining facilitation, coaching, and partnership-building.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign & Facilitate Innovation Workshops: Develop and deliver high-impact workshops using proven innovation methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Business Model Innovation).Innovation Coaching: Support member organisations in identifying challenges, generating ideas, and translating insights into actionable innovation projects.Corporate Partnership Development: Build and nurture relationships with insurers, insurtechs, brokers, and technology providers to identify collaboration opportunities, co-create pilots, and accelerate innovation adoption.Ecosystem Engagement: Act as a visible connector and catalyst across the Irish insurance innovation ecosystem.Thought Leadership: Track global insurtech and innovation trends, sharing insights to inspire members and shape the sector.Programme Development & Delivery: Support the design and execution of Instech.ie innovation programmes, sprints, and events.Measurement & Impact: Help define and track the impact of innovation initiatives on members’ business outcomes.Key RequirementsIndustry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the insurance industry, its value chain, and current challenges and opportunities in digital transformation.Innovation Expertise: Proven ability to apply innovation frameworks and tools to real-world business problems.Facilitation Skills: Experienced in designing and leading workshops with diverse stakeholder groups.Coaching Mindset: Skilled at guiding teams through ambiguity, encouraging creativity, and helping translate ideas into action.Partnership Development: Strong ability to engage senior stakeholders, identify mutually beneficial opportunities, and drive collaborative projects.Communication: Excellent storytelling, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.Collaboration: Comfortable working across organisational boundaries in a highly networked environment.Preferred Experience7+ years’ experience in insurance, consulting, or innovation roles.Experience working with or within insurtech or fintech ecosystems.Exposure to start-up and scale-up environments.Familiarity with innovation tools such as value proposition design, customer journey mapping, or agile experimentation.Track record of developing corporate partnerships and driving joint initiatives.What We OfferOpportunity to shape the future of innovation in the Irish insurance sector.A creative, collaborative, and networked work environment.Access to a vibrant ecosystem of insurers, startups, and technology partners.Salary: €85,000–€95,000, depending on experience.