Chief Executive Officer

Novo Executive Search & Selection Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits to lead a pioneering technology company focused on biodegradable and non-toxic materials. As the Chief Executive Officer, you will drive the strategic direction and operational excellence of a rapidly growing business. This role demands innovative thinking and strong commercial acumen to navigate the company through critical growth phases and secure necessary funding. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, you will work closely with a dedicated team, fostering innovation and building trusted relationships with clients and investors. Join a forward-thinking organization where your contributions will be recognized and rewarded through equity inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in applying technology for commercial value.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to inspire teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction and operational delivery for the company.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and prepare for financing.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Leadership Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Strategic Planning

Biotechnology Knowledge

Communication Skills

Education

Degree Level Technical Background

Job description

Are you ready to lead the success of a novel and exciting new technology business?

Our client is a technology company addressing the increasing demand to replace petrochemical-based performance additives with products that are biodegradable, non-toxic and safe for the environment. Their custom-designed materials are inspired by natural systems and precision engineered to create enhanced functionality to a range of markets. They are providing ground-breaking solutions to difficult problems in industry, with a track record of working in defence, health and personal care.

They have developed over time with seed investment from a number of sources. Having secured interim finance in the first quarter of 2025, they are now in a position to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer to join the leadership team.

The role is to develop and deliver strategic direction for the company with a medium-term objective to reach the next stage of funding, allowing them to scale further. The CEO will provide strong leadership and commercial acumen to a rapidly growing business as they enter a critical phase in their growth.

Primary Objectives

The purpose of the role will be to lead the strategic direction of the Company. The role will require demonstrable commercial acumen and innovative thinking to lead on business development and critical aspects of operational delivery. The successful candidate will also be required to establish trusted relationships with all stakeholders, including customers and investors and prepare and lead the company though subsequent rounds of financing through equity investment.

The candidate will work with the Board and the Leadership team to ensure the strategic direction of the Company creates long term value for all stakeholders. The candidate will also lead critical aspects of operational delivery, business development and commercial contracting, ensuring achievement of business objectives, specially to prepare the Company for financing through equity investment.

Experience and skills required

• Demonstrable experience applying technology to create commercial value
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, to provide inspiration and encouragement to the team.
• Ability to work with scientists to nurture innovation.
• Strong communication skills with ability to understand and digest complex technical information.
• Evidence of developing positive and productive relationships with clients.
• Evidence of strategic planning ability.
• Experience of working with finance teams to effectively control income and expenditure.
• Good understanding of biotechnology and its wider applications.
• Degree level technical background

Our client has an incredibly valuable opportunity to realise the potential of their technology and knowledge. They have already proven the commercial potential of their technology platform and the ability to create viable industrial solutions. The scope to grow is significant and will rely on their ability to form a more structured business while pursuing and securing the right commercial opportunities and partnerships.

The successful candidate will enjoy a stimulating and rewarding high-profile role within a genuinely exciting and fast-growing business. Equity inclusion will ensure value creation is financially rewarded.