At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new innovation organisation and drive impactful projects.
- Company: Cardiff Innovations Ltd, a subsidiary of Cardiff University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £130,000 and opportunities for flexible working.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of innovation in Cardiff and beyond.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 £ per year.
Salary: £130,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Job Group: Professional Services (Management, Admin, Specialists, Technical & Operations Support)
Industry: Senior Staff
Posted: 2026-10-09
Closing date: 2026-11-01
Cardiff Innovations Ltd is a newly established, wholly owned subsidiary of Cardiff University, created to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and enterprise activity across the University. It will provide a single gateway for researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors, bringing together commercialisation, incubation and enterprise activity within a dedicated organisation focused on delivering impact and growth. It will be an anchor organisation delivering innovation services for Cardiff and Wales, helping to drive Cardiff as a fourth-generation University for a devolved nation.
Launching formally in April 2027, Cardiff Innovations Ltd is backed by one of the UK's leading research universities, which brings a growing portfolio of spin-outs and deep partnerships across industry and government. Cardiff University has a comprehensive research and innovation base that is growing in strength and number, with a live grant portfolio worth over £600 million. Together, these strengths represent a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation-led growth for Cardiff, Wales and beyond.
The Cardiff Innovations Ltd Board is now seeking to appoint its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will have a rare opportunity to build a new innovation organisation from the ground up, develop a high-performing team, grow strategic partnerships, create opportunities for innovation to thrive and deliver lasting benefits for society aligned with economic growth and wider prosperity.
The successful candidate will combine commercial acumen with a passion for innovation, bringing a proven track record of developing partnerships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering organisational impact. They will be able to work effectively across academia, industry, devolved and national governments and investment communities, creating the conditions for new ventures, commercial success and long-term economic and societal benefit.
We encourage you to arrange a discussion with our search partner, Perrett Laver, to find out more about the opportunity.
How to apply:
- Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing experience, full employment history and relevant achievements.
- CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.
- The closing date for applications is 09:00 BST on Monday 2nd November.
- Longlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary meetings with Perrett Laver during w/c 9 November, following which the Search Committee will agree on a shortlist.
- Final interviews and assessments with Cardiff University for shortlisted candidates will be held in early December.
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities.
In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Chief Executive Officer for Cardiff Innovations Ltd in Cowbridge employer: Cardiff University
Cardiff University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With generous benefits such as 45 days of annual leave, a supportive local pension scheme, and opportunities for flexible working, the university fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation in teaching. As a member of the Occupational Therapy team, you will not only contribute to shaping future healthcare professionals but also benefit from comprehensive support in your career growth through programmes like the Cardiff University Education and Fellowship Programme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer for Cardiff Innovations Ltd in Cowbridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer for Cardiff Innovations Ltd in Cowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Cardiff University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Cardiff University. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Cardiff University, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
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Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Cardiff University, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Cardiff University could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
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