Chief Executive Officer for Cardiff Innovations Ltd

Overview

As CEO you will build and lead Cardiff Innovations Ltd from the ground up, directing strategy and operations to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and enterprise activity. You will grow a high‑performing team, forge strategic partnerships, and create the conditions for new ventures and long‑term economic and societal impact. You will work across academia, industry, devolved and national governments, and investment communities to deliver growth and lasting benefits aligned with the university’s mission. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new organisation backed by Cardiff University and a growing portfolio of collaborations and spinouts.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a new innovation organisation from inception
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team
• Grow strategic partnerships across academia, industry, government, and investment communities
• Create sustainable opportunities for innovation to thrive and deliver societal and economic benefits
• Enable conditions for new ventures and commercial success
• Align activities with the university’s innovation and growth goals
• Represent the organisation in cross-sector external engagements
• Drive impact measurement and strategic governance for the venture
• Collaborate with Perrett Laver in the appointment process (context)

Key requirements

• Proven track record of developing partnerships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering organisational impact
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to translate opportunities into growth
• Passion for innovation and ability to work across academia, industry, and government
• Ability to build, lead and develop high-performing teams
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders across public and private sectors

• Strategic thinking
• Stakeholder management
• Collaborative leadership
• Effective communication
• Change management

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