Head of Automotive in London

Head of Automotive in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead automotive AI market growth and develop strategic partnerships.
  • Company: Axelera AI, a pioneering deep-tech startup with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Attractive compensation, pension plan, employee insurances, and company shares.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI in the automotive industry with a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in automotive tech, strong communication, and entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

About Us

Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing 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 MetisTM 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.

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. 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 London employer: Axelera AI

    Axelera AI is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. With flexible working arrangements across multiple European locations, employees benefit from a competitive compensation package, including pension plans and share options, while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing AI technology in the automotive sector. The company prioritises employee growth and collaboration, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of AI.
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    Contact Detail:

    Axelera AI Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice đŸ€«

    We think this is how you could land Head of Automotive in London

    ✹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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

    ✹Tip Number 2

    Show off your expertise! Create content that highlights your knowledge in automotive AI and share it on social media or relevant platforms. This will help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the field, making you more attractive to potential employers.

    ✹Tip Number 3

    Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and market positioning, especially in the automotive sector. We want you to walk into that interview feeling confident and ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success.

    ✹Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, go ahead and take that step!

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Automotive in London

    Ecosystem Development
    Business Growth
    Product Strategy
    Customer Engagement
    Functional Safety Requirements
    Automotive Electronics Architecture
    AI/ADAS Systems
    Market Requirements Documents (MRDs)
    Cross-Functional Program Management
    Communication Skills
    Relationship-Building Skills
    Entrepreneurial Mindset
    Strategic Business Opportunities Identification
    Partnership Development

    Some tips for your application đŸ«Ą

    Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the automotive AI sector shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission at Axelera AI and how you can contribute to advancing humanity through technology.

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience in the automotive semiconductor or software industry. We love seeing candidates who understand the nuances of the market and can demonstrate their expertise in functional safety standards.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Automotive role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We appreciate clarity and passion!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team at Axelera AI!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Axelera AI

    ✹Know Your Stuff

    Make sure you have a solid understanding of automotive electronics architecture and AI/ADAS systems. Brush up on functional safety standards like ISO 26262, as these will likely come up in conversation. The more knowledgeable you are, the more confident you'll feel!

    ✹Showcase Your Experience

    Prepare to discuss your 10+ years of experience in the automotive semiconductor or software industry. Highlight specific projects where you've managed cross-functional teams or developed market entry strategies. Real-life examples will make your case much stronger!

    ✹Build Relationships

    Since this role involves nurturing relationships across the OEM and Tier 1 ecosystem, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Share stories of how you've successfully collaborated with partners or led initiatives that required strong communication.

    ✹Align with Their Vision

    Familiarise yourself with Axelera's MetisTM AI Platform and their commitment to innovation. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth in the automotive AI acceleration market. Showing that you understand their goals will set you apart!

    Head of Automotive in London
    Axelera AI
    Location: London
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    • Head of Automotive in London

      London
      Full-Time
      72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
    • A

      Axelera AI

      50-100
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