Head of Innovation and Pre-development

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23000 employees operating in over 150 countries Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the worlds most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

We are seeking a Head of Innovation and Pre-development to drive our innovation agenda forward. This position will be based in Sundbyberg and will lead a focused high-performing team dedicated to exploring new technologies validating ideas and shaping future growth opportunities.

You will play a central role in connecting long-term strategy emerging technologies and business needs. You will guide early-stage innovation efforts from idea generation and feasibility studies to validated concepts ensuring alignment with our strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small specialized innovation team focused on early-stage ideas and technology exploration

• Drive innovation strategy governance and prioritization of initiatives

• Oversee feasibility studies concept validation and testing new technologies before product development

• Collaborate closely with Product Management R&D and Commercial teams to align innovation with market needs

• Identify trends and emerging technologies ensuring the organization stays ahead in key areas

• Build and maintain external networks with startups universities and innovation partners

• Support stakeholder alignment and ensure effective collaboration across the organization

• Contribute to long-term strategic direction and growth initiatives

Who You Are

• A curious and forward-thinking professional with a strong interest in innovation and new technologies

• A strategic thinker with the ability to connect trends technology and business value

• A collaborative and engaging team player who works effectively with stakeholders across functions

• A natural leader with strong coordination and prioritization skills

• A visionary mindset with the ability to see long-term opportunities

Qualifications

• Background in engineering data AI or a related technical field

• Experience or strong interest in AI emerging technologies or innovation ecosystems

• Understanding of working with external partners such as startups and universities

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Proven leadership experience or strong leadership potential

You will lead a capable and collaborative team influence strategic direction and play a key role in identifying the technologies and ideas that will drive our future growth.

Why Work at Xylem!

We offer you a creative and international environment where you get the opportunity to focus on your personal and professional development together with committed and helpful colleagues. Engage as a volunteer through Xylems business program for community initiatives Xylem Watermark:.

Everyones equal value

We want people regardless of skin color age disability sexual orientation and gender identity to feel at home not just at Xylem but everywhere in the world. For us diversity equality and inclusion mean more than just a policy or a set of methods. Diversity equality and inclusion are fundamental parts of our corporate culture and a key to long-term growth.

Feel free to visit us at you are interested in this position and would like to know more please contact Leila Sayyad Corporate Recruiter.

Welcome with your application!

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage conservation and re-use. Our products impact public utilities industrial sectors residential areas and commercial buildings with a commitment to providing smart metering network technologies and advanced analytics for water electric and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.