IAAPS Institute External Board Member

IAAPS Limited; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A research and innovation institute in the UK is seeking an External Board Member to provide strategic oversight and guidance across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and energy. Ideal candidates will have board-level experience, commercial acumen, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. This non-director role requires approximately two full days per quarter on-site, preferably in person. Travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.

Benefits

Travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed

Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering, energy, or public policy.
• Experience in higher education or technology transfer is preferred.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the strategic direction and decisions of the executive team.
• Provide industry knowledge and external perspective for board deliberations.
• Evaluate executive management’s progress toward strategic goals.
• Participate in appointing and succession planning for executive roles.
• Contribute to reviews of executive compensation.
• Help connect the institute with valuable networks.
• Promote equality, diversity, and the university's reputation.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Board-level experience

Communication skills

Commitment to higher education

Knowledge of net-zero technologies

Job description

The IAAPS is an institute of the University of Bath which focusses on research and innovation in clean mobility and sustainable propulsion technologies. The majority of our work is in collaboration with industry. The Institute comprises two inter-linked elements - an academic group which conducts transdisciplinary research and education to drive innovation in sustainable propulsion and mobility systems across the automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway sectors; and a wholly owned Limited Company which delivers commercially focussed research and development in these areas, in partnership with the propulsion industry. This team also operates our state of the art 11,300m2 laboratory complex on the Bristol & Bath Science Park. As a key enabler of the UK’s transition to net-zero transport, IAAPS brings together academia and industry to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced propulsion systems.

Role

The IAAPS is seeking an External Board Member to provide strategic oversight and expert guidance. This non-director role supports IAAPS’s mission to advance clean mobility and sustainable propulsion technologies across automotive, aerospace, marine, and off-highway sectors. We are looking for a candidate who will bring strong commercial experience and a background in engineering, research, innovation, or public service. The role involves shaping strategic direction, supporting commercial growth, and ensuring long-term sustainability. IAAPS values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds committed to impactful, mission‑driven research and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Advise on and constructively challenge the strategic direction and decisions of the executive team.
• Expert Insight: Provide industry knowledge, external perspective, and guidance to support board deliberations.
• Performance Monitoring: Evaluate executive management’s progress toward strategic goals and objectives.
• Governance & Succession: Participate in appointing, removing, and succession planning for executive roles and board members.
• Remuneration Input: Contribute to the review of executive pay, including for the executive director, managing director, and senior leadership.
• Networking & Representation: Help connect the institute with valuable networks and represent it externally when needed.
• Advocacy & Compliance: Promote equality, diversity, and the university’s reputation while staying informed on the higher education landscape.

About You

You are a strategic leader with board‑level experience and a strong background in sectors like engineering, energy, or public policy. You bring commercial acumen, governance insight, and a deep commitment to higher education and its values. Your communication skills enable you to engage diverse stakeholders effectively, and you champion equality, diversity, and inclusion. You understand the impact of research and innovation on society and act with integrity and impartiality. Ideally, you also have experience in higher education or technology transfer, knowledge of net‑zero technologies, and a strong network across industry, academia, or government.

On‑site Presence

An estimated two full days per quarter in meetings and preparation, some of which will be either on campus or at Bristol and Bath Science Park. Have a strong preference for in‑person attendance at meetings, but team is flexible for the right candidate.

Salary

Travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

Term of Office

Three years (renewable)