Chief Technology Officer

Manufacturing Technology Centre; Coventry; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK innovation hub is seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join its Executive team in Coventry. This role involves defining and leading the technology strategy and driving innovation across multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has significant leadership experience in technology within manufacturing and is skilled in engaging with government and funding bodies. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence industry adoption of advanced technologies and drive forward the UK's technological vision.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a senior technology, engineering or innovation role.
• Ability to set and deliver long-term technology strategies.
• Strong track record of building new technical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead MTC technology strategy.
• Create capability in emerging technology domains.
• Engage with UK government departments and funding agencies.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong influencing skills

Understanding of UK manufacturing ecosystem

Exceptional communication

Evidence of thought leadership

Education

Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, PhD)

Job description

Overview

We have a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join MTC’s Executive team and be at the forefront of driving innovation. As Chief Technology Officer you’ll have strategic responsibility for shaping, developing, and delivering the MTC’s technology vision, bringing entrepreneurial decision making to ensure the MTC remains at the forefront of technology leadership. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll be part of an inspired and passionate executive leadership team, who steer a 1000 strong cross functional team in delivering world class technology and skills delivery. We’re looking for an inspirational leader, with experience of multidisciplinary teams across Research, Technology, Innovation, and Advanced Manufacturing. With a passion for innovation and people you’ll be responsible for leading 500+ engineers and research professionals with a wide range of experience and specialisms, ensuring that the MTC creates capability in emerging areas critical to the future of UK industry. You’ll also have significant influence with industrial partners, government departments, funding bodies and national innovation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Defining and leading the MTC technology strategy, ensuring alignment with future industry needs, government priorities, and MTC’s mission.
• Creating and growing capability in emerging technology domains, such as advanced automation, digital manufacturing, sustainability technologies, AI enabled manufacturing, next generation materials, and other frontier areas identified through industrial foresight.
• Creating a culture of innovation, learning, and personal growth and developing high performing teams.
• Providing national and international thought leadership, inspiring industry to innovate, adopt advanced technologies, and accelerate productivity improvements.
• Engaging with UK government departments, Innovate UK, Catapult centres, and funding agencies to influence policy and secure investment into programmes that deliver maximum impact on industrial performance.
• Strengthening the MTC’s role as a trusted advisor by translating complex technology trends into actionable strategies for industry leaders.
• Leading major innovation programmes and strategic partnerships, ensuring delivery excellence and strong return on investment.
• Developing the skills and capability pipeline needed by industry, working with the MTC Training Centre and Skills teams.
• Working with universities to identify, mature, and translate emerging technologies into industrial application.
• Representing the MTC as a senior spokesperson, speaking at conferences, industry forums, ministerial round tables, and high-level strategic engagements.

Who we’re looking for

• We’re looking for somebody with proven leadership experience in a senior technology, engineering or innovation role within manufacturing, industrial technology, or a related sector.
• You’ll be able to demonstrable the ability to set and deliver long-term technology strategies at organisational or national scale as well as a strong track record in building new technical capability, developing high performing teams, and managing large R&D or innovation programmes.
• This role will require strong influencing skills, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across industry, government, funding bodies, and academia.
• Youll have
• Deep understanding of the UK manufacturing ecosystem, emerging technology trends, and industrial adoption challenges.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration and skills, with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.
• Evidence of thought leadership, including publications, keynote speaking, panel contributions, or recognised industry influence.

Desirable skills and experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, PhD) in engineering, science, or technology related fields.
• Experience working within or alongside Catapult centres, government policy groups, standards bodies, or national innovation frameworks.
• Experience influencing government, industry, and academia.
• Experience scaling new technologies from TRL demonstration to industrial deployment.
• Professional recognition (e.g., Chartered Engineer, Fellowship of recognised bodies).
• Experience shaping industrial skills or workforce development programmes.

Interview Process

Once you submit your application, this will be passed on to our Talent Acquisition team for reference and security checks review. If you are successfully shortlisted, the next steps will be a 2-stage interview process and meeting with members of the MTC Board. Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references being obtained alongside a level of security clearance checks.