Executive Chair

Novo Executive Search; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

Novo Executive Search is seeking a part-time Executive Chair to guide a Bristol‑based deep‑tech hardware startup through its next growth phase. You will shape strategy, form strategic partnerships, and drive fundraising while steering the company toward a successful exit.

The role requires senior leadership experience, a track record with engineering startups, and the ability to work 1–3 days per week from the Bristol office.

Qualifications

• Experience scaling a deep-tech hardware business through commercialisation and investment.
• Previous Chair, CEO or founder experience within relevant engineering start-ups/SMEs.
• Strong connections within aerospace, space and energy markets.
• Willingness to work 1–3 days per week at Bristol office.

Responsibilities

• Guide strategic partnerships and growth strategy for the company.
• Drive commercialisation, fundraising, and preparation for a potential exit.
• Leverage industry networks to secure customers and pilots.
• Provide leadership and governance to scale the business responsibly.

Skills

Scale hardware startups

Executive chair/CEO experience

Industry connections

Part-time availability

Job description

“Deep Tech Engineering” Industrial Applications Hardware Developer

Bristol, South-West

Competitive Remuneration

Our client is a start-up engineering hardware technology development business that is based in Bristol. The company is designing and developing innovative niche hardware application technology for industrials markets within areas of aerospace, space and energy. To help lead them through their next phase of growth, they are looking to recruit a commercially focused part-time Executive Chair.

The role is focused on helping the company through its next stage, including strategic partnership development, commercialisation, fundraising and ultimately a successful exit.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in scaling a hardware or deep-tech business through commercialisation and investment
• Previous Chair, CEO or founder experience within relevant engineering component development start up’s and SME’s
• Connections within relevant target customer markets – aerospace, space and energy
• Capacity to work 1-3 days a week at the company’s Bristol office