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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the automotive AI market, driving growth and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Axelera AI, a pioneering deep-tech startup with a global presence.
- Benefits: Attractive compensation, flexible working options, and opportunities for company shares.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in the automotive industry and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in automotive tech, strong leadership, and relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity in an inclusive culture that fosters creativity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Automotive role at Axelera AI.
About Us
Axelera AI is not your regular deep‑tech startup. We are creating a next‑generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advance humanity and improve the world around us. In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world‑class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands. We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3‑5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer. Are you up for the challenge?
Position Overview
Axelera is seeking a Head of Automotive to lead our entry and growth in the automotive AI acceleration market. This is a cross‑functional leadership role that combines ecosystem development, business growth, and product strategy. The successful candidate will act as the company’s focal point for the automotive segment, helping to define our positioning, drive customer engagements, and ensure our technology and roadmap align with automotive market needs — including functional safety and reliability requirements. As the automotive business scales, this role will evolve into the leadership of a dedicated automotive business line.
Key Responsibilities
- Market and Ecosystem Development: Build and nurture relationships across the OEM and Tier 1 ecosystem, including semiconductor partners, software vendors, and research institutions. Represent Axelera in EU‑funded automotive and AI projects, acting as sponsor and ensuring proper execution and alignment with company objectives. Drive Axelera’s presence in key automotive industry forums, standards groups, and partnerships.
- Business Development: Lead the response to RFIs, RFQs, and partnership inquiries from automotive customers. Develop marketing and positioning materials to promote Axelera’s technology in the automotive landscape. Identify strategic business opportunities and establish pilot programs or joint development activities with key players.
- Product and Market Strategy: Produce Market Requirements Documents (MRDs) that capture the evolving needs of the automotive AI acceleration market. Collaborate closely with the product and engineering teams to define product features, functional safety requirements (ASIL, ISO 26262), and long‑term roadmap alignment. Translate customer and ecosystem insights into clear product priorities and differentiation strategies.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in the automotive semiconductor, software, or systems industry, with exposure to OEM or Tier 1 programs.
- Strong understanding of automotive electronics architecture, AI/ADAS systems, and functional safety standards (ISO 26262).
- Proven experience managing cross‑functional programs spanning business development, engineering, and partnerships.
- Demonstrated success in market entry or ecosystem development for emerging technologies.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills across technical and executive audiences.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of building structure and momentum in an emerging business area.
Location
We offer a flexible working arrangement, with options to:
- Work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Florence and Milan in Italy, Amsterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Leuven in Belgium, Paris in France, Zurich in Switzerland, or Bristol in the United Kingdom) if you’re already based in the vicinity.
- Work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already in.
- Relocate with us and work from Amsterdam or Eindhoven in the Netherlands, or Bologna, Florence or Milan in Italy.
What we offer
This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast‑growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.
Equal Opportunity Statement
At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.
Head of Automotive in Bristol employer: Axelera AI
Contact Detail:
Axelera AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Automotive in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Head of Automotive role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in automotive AI and functional safety. Share insights, write articles, or even start a blog. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also attract attention from companies like Axelera AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s vision and technology. Research Axelera AI’s Metis™ AI Platform and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how you can drive customer engagements and align with their market needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Axelera AI team. So, get your application in and let’s make some waves in the automotive AI space together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Automotive in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Automotive role. Highlight your experience in automotive semiconductor, software, or systems industries, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of AI/ADAS systems and functional safety standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the automotive AI acceleration market and how your skills align with Axelera's mission. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or partnerships you've been involved in.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a cross-functional leadership role, make sure to highlight your experience managing teams and driving business development. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships within the automotive ecosystem and led successful initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our innovative team at Axelera!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of automotive AI acceleration and the specific technologies Axelera AI is working with. Brush up on functional safety standards like ISO 26262, as well as the latest trends in automotive electronics. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Build Connections
Since this role involves a lot of relationship-building, think about how you can demonstrate your networking skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, or research institutions in the past. Highlight any relevant projects or partnerships you've been involved in to showcase your experience.
✨Show Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss your approach to market entry and ecosystem development. Think about how you would identify strategic business opportunities for Axelera AI and what pilot programs you might propose. This will help interviewers see that you can think critically and strategically about the company's growth.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between technical and executive audiences, which is crucial for success at Axelera AI.
