Chief Executive Officer

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). This pivotal role involves shaping research strategies, driving innovation, and engaging with partners across industry and government. Ideal candidates should possess substantial senior experience in research or advanced manufacturing and a strong leadership track record. This position offers a collaborative environment and generous benefits.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Generous pensions scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Strong track record of leadership in a complex environment.
• Substantial senior experience in research or advanced manufacturing.
• Ability to engage and influence at high levels across business, government, and academia.

Responsibilities

• Shape and steer AMRC’s research and innovation strategies.
• Drive translational research and commercialization.
• Lead the AMRC's next phase of growth and impact.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Research innovation

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is a world-leading centre for industry-focused research and innovation, part of the University of Sheffield and a member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network. Since its foundation in 2001, the AMRC has built a global reputation for driving productivity, competitiveness and innovation across sectors such as aerospace, clean energy and sustainable transport — working with partners from Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Siemens to hundreds of SMEs across the UK.

As we look to the future, the University of Sheffield is seeking to appoint an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to shape and steer the AMRC’s research and innovation strategies and ensure it continues to make a transformative contribution to UK industry and society. Reporting to the Vice-President for Research and Innovation, the CEO will provide strategic direction, leadership and management for the AMRC and its sites in South Yorkshire, North Wales and Lancashire.

This is a pivotal role for an ambitious, visionary leader who can build on the AMRC’s strong reputation and lead its next phase of growth and impact. The CEO will be responsible for driving translational research and commercialisation, deepening engagement with industrial and government partners, and ensuring the AMRC remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing innovation and skills development.

We are seeking an exceptional individual with a strong track record of leadership in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, ideally spanning both academia and industry. Candidates will bring substantial senior experience in research, innovation or advanced manufacturing, strong financial and people management capabilities, and the credibility to engage and influence at the highest levels across business, government and academia.

The University of Sheffield offers a highly supportive, inclusive and collaborative environment, with generous terms and benefits. This is an opportunity to lead a world-class organisation whose impact extends far beyond its region – advancing the UK’s industrial future and delivering public good.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Sheffield on this appointment. For further information, including details on how to apply, please visitwww.saxbam.com/appointmentsusing referenceIDDR. Alternatively email [e-mail]. Applications should be received bynoon on Friday 21 November 2025.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.

C1EO