At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of UK manufacturing as Chief of Staff, driving strategy and collaboration.
- Company: Join the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a leader in innovation and industry transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unique partnership with CEO, and exposure to major strategic opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career growth and visibility across diverse networks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK manufacturing while working with top industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and significant experience in strategic or operational roles required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Help shape the future of UK manufacturing innovation as our Chief of Staff (maternity cover).
Contract: 12 to 18 months fixed term contract (maternity cover)
Location: Home-based with regular travel to London and other UK locations as required
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 14th August 2026
The Opportunity: We are seeking an exceptional Chief of Staff to cover a period of maternity leave, working directly alongside our Chief Executive Officer. This is a highly influential position playing a pivotal role within the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. As Chief of Staff, you will act as a force multiplier for the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into measurable results, organisational alignment is achieved and decision-making is effective, timely and focused on delivering impact for our customers, funders and partners.
You will work both independently and collaboratively, helping to shape strategy, drive organisation-wide delivery, improve executive effectiveness and ensure we remain fit for the future while maintaining disciplined execution of our commitments. You will be a trusted sounding board to the CEO, a catalyst for cross-functional collaboration and an ambassador for HVM Catapult with senior stakeholders across industry, government and the innovation ecosystem.
What you'll bring:
- You will be a strategic thinker with excellent judgement, strong commercial awareness and an ability to operate effectively in complex and sometimes ambiguous environments.
- You will be equally comfortable discussing long-term organisational strategy, influencing senior stakeholders, facilitating difficult conversations and driving operational delivery.
Key requirements:
- Degree-level qualification (Level 6) or equivalent professional experience.
- Significant experience in a senior strategic, operational, advisory or transformation role.
- Proven success leading complex cross-functional programmes and initiatives.
- Strong understanding of organisational strategy and governance within the Innovate UK Catapult Network.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capability.
- Ability to synthesise complex information into clear recommendations and actions.
- Experience operating with a high degree of autonomy, discretion and judgement.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and systems-thinking skills.
- At ease working in a fast-paced environment.
- Adaptability to quickly integrate into existing structures and ways of working.
What you'll gain:
- The opportunity to influence how leading innovation organisations operate and succeed.
- A unique partnership with the CEO and her Executive Leadership Team.
- Exposure to major strategic opportunities, challenges and transformation programmes.
- The chance to work across a diverse network of organisations and stakeholders.
- A highly visible role with significant enterprise-wide impact.
The High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult helps drive economic growth across the country by keeping UK manufacturing innovative, productive and globally competitive. Each year, thousands of businesses come to HVM Catapult seeking solutions to a particular problem or looking for ways to improve the products they sell, the way they make them and the skills of their workforce which could help them attract inward investment and prosper in the global marketplace.
HVM Catapult’s national network of centres and 3,800 employees provide those companies with access to world-class facilities and expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. As part of the Innovate UK Catapult Network, HVM Catapult is the link between academia and industry to apply research, commercialising the UK’s most advanced manufacturing ideas. Working at scale and across the UK, our centres are a strategic research and innovation hub for UK industry, collaborating to accelerate industrial transformation by tackling key objectives in support of net zero, healthy living and national security.
Please apply with covering letter in support of your application and CV by 5pm on Friday, 14th August 2026.
Chief of Staff (maternity cover) in London employer: High Value Manufacturing Catapult
Join the High Value Manufacturing Catapult as a Chief of Staff and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving innovation in UK manufacturing. With a home-based role that includes regular travel to London, you'll enjoy a flexible work environment that fosters collaboration and strategic thinking. The company offers competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing while working alongside senior leaders in a supportive and forward-thinking culture.
Contact Details:
High Value Manufacturing Catapult Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff (maternity cover) in London
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like High Value Manufacturing Catapult can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like High Value Manufacturing Catapult; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff (maternity cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at High Value Manufacturing Catapult and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research High Value Manufacturing Catapult's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at High Value Manufacturing Catapult
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
