Chief Technology Officer

GatenbySanderson; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult in Newport is seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer to lead our technology, innovation and capability strategy through a growth phase. Reporting to the CEO, you will define the technology roadmap, oversee investments, and guide the technology community.

You will build partnerships with industry, government and academia, support major funding opportunities, advise the Board on technology strategy, and act as a visible ambassador for a nationally

Qualifications

• Significant executive or senior leadership experience in semiconductors, advanced engineering, deep technology or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven ability to translate technology strategy into commercial impact and growth.
• Experience leading complex technical programs, investments and governance.

Responsibilities

• Define the Catapult's technology roadmap and oversee strategic investments in future capabilities.
• Lead the technology community through Heads of Technology and drive governance and commercial impact.
• Build influential partnerships across industry, government and academia; support funding opportunities.
• Advise the Board on technology strategy and act as a visible ambassador for a nationally significant organisation.

Skills

Executive leadership

Semiconductors

Advanced engineering

Deep technology

Strategy development

Governance

Commercial impact

Team leadership

Partnerships

Board-level presence

Strategic thinking

Job description

Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult

Location: Newport (hybrid working, with national and occasional international travel)

Contract: Permanent

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer, Caroline O'Brien

Closing Date: 17:00 Monday 28th September 2026

Shape the future of UK semiconductor innovation

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is at the heart of one of the UK's most strategically important industries. As investment accelerates across AI, clean energy, communications, defence and space, we are seeking a visionary Chief Technology Officer to lead our technology, innovation and capability strategy through an ambitious phase of growth.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, you will define the Catapult's technology roadmap, oversee strategic investment in future capabilities, and ensure our expertise remains at the forefront of semiconductor applications and emerging technologies. You will lead our technology community through the Heads of Technology, driving innovation, technical excellence, governance and commercial impact.

This is a highly influential external-facing role. You will build strategic partnerships across industry, government and academia, support major funding and commercial opportunities, advise the Board on technology strategy, and act as a visible ambassador for a nationally significant organisation.

About Us

Established by Innovate UK, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult accelerates the commercialisation of advanced semiconductor technologies. Working with businesses, government and academia, we help turn cutting-edge research into real-world products and solutions across sectors including energy, transport, digital communications, defence and space.

What You'll Bring

• Significant executive or senior leadership experience in semiconductors, advanced engineering, deep technology or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven success in developing and delivering technology, innovation and capability strategies.
• Strong track record of translating technical excellence into commercial and organisational impact.
• Experience leading complex technical teams, programmes and technology investments.
• Ability to build influential partnerships across industry, academia, government and funding bodies.
• Board-level presence, strategic thinking and a collaborative, inclusive leadership style.

Why Join Us?

• Shape the technology direction of a nationally significant organisation.
• Influence the future growth and competitiveness of the UK semiconductor sector.
• Work with world-class experts across power electronics, RF and photonics, quantum technologies and advanced packaging.
• Build partnerships that deliver national impact.
• Join an ambitious organisation entering an exciting new phase of development.