Chief Scientific Officer

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Lead the technology and innovation strategy of a pioneering advanced materials business
We are seeking an exceptional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to join an innovative, internationally focused engineering and advanced materials business operating at the forefront of specialist manufacturing and scientific development.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced technical professional who wants to do more than manage an R&D function. You will play a central role in defining the organisation's technology vision, product roadmap and future direction, helping turn scientific and engineering innovation into commercially successful products and solutions.
Working closely with the Managing Director and wider leadership team, you will provide the technical vision, strategic leadership and scientific expertise needed to support continued growth into new markets and emerging technology areas.
The Opportunity
This is a highly influential role spanning technology strategy, scientific research, engineering, product development and innovation.
You will quickly develop a deep understanding of the company's existing scientific and technical capabilities before helping shape what comes next — identifying opportunities in new materials, advanced manufacturing technologies and innovative applications.
You'll have the opportunity to influence investment decisions, build technical capability, develop senior talent and establish the roadmap for the next generation of products and technologies.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver the company's technology, scientific and R&D strategy, aligned with long-term commercial objectives.
* Define and maintain a clear technology and product roadmap, balancing customer requirements, commercial opportunities and technical capability.
* Lead and develop the R&D and technical teams, providing direction, mentoring and support while building future technical leadership capability.
* Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, materials and processes, turning promising research into viable products and solutions.
* Oversee R&D programmes from initial concept through development and into delivery readiness.
* Work closely with commercial, product and engineering functions to ensure technology investment is aligned with customer and market needs.
* Provide high-level technical and scientific advice to the Managing Director and wider leadership team.
* Support the identification, recruitment and development of senior technical talent.
* Ensure product creation and development processes deliver against quality, time and cost objectives, while meeting relevant regulatory and quality requirements.
* Manage technology budgets, resources and development priorities effectively.
* Ensure technology infrastructure, systems and platforms are appropriately developed, scalable and secure.
* Protect the organisation's intellectual property, sensitive technical information and innovation pipeline.
* Maintain a strong awareness of technology trends, competitors and developments across advanced materials, additive manufacturing and related industries.
* Represent the organisation with customers, partners, investors and other senior stakeholders where required.
* Support a culture of scientific curiosity, engineering excellence and continuous innovation.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an accomplished technical leader with substantial experience working within complex engineering, manufacturing or capital equipment environments.
You'll ideally bring:
* 15–20 years' experience in senior technical, engineering, scientific or technology leadership roles.
* Experience leading complex technology or engineering programmes within a capital goods, advanced manufacturing or similarly sophisticated industrial environment.
* A bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline, ideally complemented by a master's degree in an engineering or scientific subject.
* Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional status would be highly advantageous.
* Strong knowledge of advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, materials science or related emerging technologies.
* A proven ability to develop and execute technology strategies that support commercial growth.
* Experience leading multidisciplinary R&D and engineering teams.
* Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect scientific and technical opportunities with business outcomes.
* Excellent strategic thinking, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
* The communication skills and credibility to engage effectively with engineers, scientists, customers, executives and investors.
* A track record of taking innovative concepts through development towards practical, commercially viable solutions.
Your Impact
You'll be joining at an exciting point in the organisation's development, with new business opportunities and technology areas emerging.
The successful candidate will have genuine scope to influence the future — from determining which technologies and materials the business invests in, to developing the people and capabilities required to deliver them.
For someone who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, commercial awareness and strong leadership, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on an ambitious technology-led business.
Location & Travel
The role is based at the company's Hailsham site and requires regular on-site presence due to the hands-on nature of the engineering, manufacturing and R&D environment.
The position may involve occasional UK travel and short overseas visits to support an international customer base.
This role cannot be fulfilled on a remote basis.
Additional Requirements & Benefits
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel internationally when required.
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Permanent position.
- Immediate start available.
Interested, Apply for more information