Strategic Partnerships Director - Energy

Strategic Partnerships Director - Energy

NCC

Location: Bristol based with Hybrid working

Summary

We are seeking an experienced senior leader to join NCC as the Strategic Partnership Director for our Energy and Materials portfolio.

Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, NCC is an independent, open-access technology centre focused on turning cutting-edge research into industrial impact. You will join this dynamic organisation at a time when it is implementing its current five-year strategy delivery plan, one focused on driving industrial transformation and growth.

Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, you will be accountable for the development and leadership of major initiatives, strategic relationships and customer accounts. Areas of early focus include e.g. across the wind sector and advanced materials. The ideal candidate would demonstrate strong leadership and an ability to proactively develop and unlock opportunities. A customer-focused approach is essential, as is the ability to work in lockstep with government, industry and academia to deliver even greater impact for the UK.

What you’ll be doing

• Set strategic direction and implement a strategic partnership approach with government, industry and academia to accelerate and drive business growth through a portfolio of technology, capability, and service offerings.
• Strengthen, develop, and maintain relationships with senior leaders across NCC Members, customers, and industry networks.
• Increase the NCC’s profile with industry leaders in growth segments and develop innovative partnership constructs and commercial offerings.
• Ensure energy and materials strategies are informed by latest external analysis, and market insight.
• Represent the NCC on relevant business and industry initiatives, networks and events.
• Lead on developing and delivering effective strategic communications and thought leadership.
• In partnership with the Director for External Affairs, inform national and sub-national industrial strategy and investment decisions and the development and delivery of impactful, targeted, and customer-focused external sector campaigns that grow the business and its customer pipeline.
• Be an integral part of NCC’s leadership team, role model our values and nurture the talents of the wider organisation.
• Alongside leading day-to-day activities, this role will be central to driving forward high-priority projects and securing the public and private sector funding needed to deliver them.

What we’re looking for

• Experience of senior leadership within a commercial organisation, strong negotiating skills, commercial acumen, and an evidenced track record of driving business growth through a customer-centric approach.
• A track record of strategic account management and of developing innovative commercial partnership and deal constructs.
• An outstanding ability to forge excellent relationships and strong, senior network across the energy and or aerospace sector (OEMs and supply chain).
• Evidenced ability to use data, including stakeholder insights and wider intelligence, to inform strategy development and underpin business growth.
• Have highly developed written and oral communication skills with a proven track record in skilful navigation through senior stakeholders across business and industry.
• An ability to create and contribute to a culture of innovation and a collaborative approach to delivering outcomes.
• A track record of strong leadership, of delivering through others in a matrix organisation and of developing high performing teams.

Desirable

• An understanding of the UK innovation funding and organisation landscape.

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

About The Company

Who are NCC?

We bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping companies of all sizes to capitalise on cutting-edge innovations to deliver more. We do this at every stage of their journey and across the entire product lifecycle, from the earliest concept to end-of-life.

Part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult and the University of Bristol, we’ve evolved from our origins as the National Centre of Excellence in composite technology. We provide a gateway to world-class expertise, advanced facilities, and industrial collaboration. A not-for-profit organisation, we leverage these assets to complement our customers’ capabilities, helping them to develop their people, grow, compete, and succeed through technology and product leadership. As well as working with industrial partners, we help create the conditions that enable UK innovators and industry to thrive. This includes providing national and local decision-makers with insight and evidence to inform strategy, policy, and investment decisions.

Why NCC?

We see our success in yours. Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

We look forward to hearing from you.