The role
What we're looking for
We’re seeking an outstanding Chief Business Officer to join our Executive Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of NCC.
This is a unique opportunity to lead our strategic planning, corporate affairs, communications and marketing functions. You’ll be at the forefront of strengthening our reputation, influencing key stakeholders across industry and government, (nationally and regionally) and positioning NCC to deliver on its strategic ambitions.
Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you’ll help define how NCC is understood and valued by our stakeholders. Leading our Strategic Partnership Director Community of Practice, you will ensure we have the insights we need to deliver long-term strategic impact for our customers, partners and the wider UK Innovation ecosystem.
As the primary interface with the University of Bristol and High Value Manufacturing Catapult across these functions, you’ll ensure strong alignment and collaboration while championing NCC’s interests at the highest levels.
Why this role matters
As a member of the Executive Team, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of the organisation, influencing decisions that drive growth, innovation and national impact. You’ll lead experienced multidisciplinary teams and act as a visible ambassador for NCC, engaging with senior leaders from government, industry, academia and funding bodies.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives on influence, partnership building and creating lasting organisational impact.
What you’ll be doing
- Play a key leadership role as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to organisational strategy, governance and business performance.
- Set the vision and strategic direction for NCC’s Strategy, Communications and Corporate Affairs function, ensuring successful delivery against organisational objectives.
- Lead an integrated corporate affairs, communications and marketing team, delivering innovative, high-impact campaigns that enhance NCC’s reputation and support strategic priorities.
- Shape and oversee NCC’s brand, visual identity and corporate voice, ensuring clear, consistent and compelling communications.
- Act as a senior ambassador for NCC, representing the organisation at major industry, government and stakeholder meetings, conferences and events.
- Lead and develop NCC’s Strategic Partnership Directors community, building capability and ensuring a best-in-class approach to key customer and stakeholder relationships.
- Oversee organisational KPI and performance reporting, ensuring meaningful insights are communicated effectively to stakeholders, partners and funders.
- Identify emerging opportunities, trends and challenges to ensure NCC remains relevant, influential and positioned for long-term success.
- Provide visible leadership across your portfolio and the wider organisation, fostering a high-performance culture aligned to NCC’s values.
- Serve as Executive Sponsor for key strategic partners, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach to stakeholder engagement across NCC.
What you'll need to evidence
You’ll be a highly credible senior leader with a proven track record of shaping strategy, influencing stakeholders and leading high-performing teams.
You’ll bring:
- Significant leadership experience within Strategy, Communications, Marketing, Corporate Affairs or a related field.
- Demonstrated success leading multiple multidisciplinary teams in a complex organisation.
- Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, customers and decision-makers.
- A strong network across industry, government, communications and/or political environments.
- Experience developing and delivering business-level strategy, particularly within communications, marketing, corporate affairs or government relations.
- A strong understanding of innovation-led organisations and technology-driven environments.
- Experience operating at the intersection of industry, academia and government.
- Excellent relationship-building, influencing and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire confidence at the highest levels.
Benefits
- Up to 12.5% employer pension contribution
- Private medical cover
- Hybrid and flexible working as standard
- Support to keep learning and progressing
- University of Bristol honorary staff status