Chief Innovation Officer in Nottingham

Job Title: Chief Innovation Officer (Job title is flexible )Location: NottinghamRemuneration: Competitive salary + equity options + bonusStart Date: ImmediateContract Type: Permanent, Full-timeVisa Sponsorship: Available for the right candidateAbout UsConcrete4Change (C4C) is a pioneering R&D company developing breakthrough technology to capture and permanently mineralise CO₂ in concrete. Our patented additive reduces emissions while improving strength and durability, offering a scalable solution for one of the world’s most polluting industries.Having recently scaled up our production process 10x, we’re constructing a pilot plant in Nottingham that will run on real flue gas. Data from this system will directly inform the design of a commercial demonstrator 100x larger. C4C is backed by major industrial players (SCG, Goldbeck), partners with leading universities, and works with top European concrete manufacturers.This is a pivotal moment to join C4C as we raise £10M and scale from lab to industry.Learn more:C4C Tech Overview: https://youtu.be/Qxjw-3vL4MsA Day in the Lab: https://youtu.be/q3tHdhAoUjIEmployee Perspective: https://youtu.be/dDa-xFofK3gFounder’s Story: https://youtu.be/vkcxFPeCkqUThe RoleC4C is seeking a hands-on, visionary Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to lead our innovation strategy, scientific direction, and public funding strategy. This is a high-impact leadership role ideal for an experienced chemist, material scientist, chemical engineer or deep-tech R&D leader with a proven track record in grant acquisition, technical team management, and industrial scale-up.You will manage and mentor a multidisciplinary innovation team, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with company goals. You will also take a leading role in identifying funding opportunities, writing and securing grants, and building partnerships with funders, universities, and collaborators.This role is ideal for someone who can balance deep scientific insight with team leadership and strategic delivery.Key Responsibilities• Lead and manage C4C’s innovation and R&D function, ensuring alignment with strategic and commercial goals• Direct and mentor a cross-functional team of scientists, technical staff, and project leads to deliver on R&D and scale-up targets• Drive technical innovation in CO₂ mineralisation, additive formulation, and cement chemistry• Oversee the full grant lifecycle – opportunity scanning, bid writing, budgeting, compliance, reporting, claim preparation and risk assessment• Translate complex scientific outcomes into persuasive funding narratives and strategic proposals• Build and manage strong relationships with grant bodies, academic partners, subcontractors, and government agencies• Support the design and technical delivery of pilot and commercial-scale demonstrators• Lead procurement and contracting of lab equipment, pilot plant components, and third-party technical services• Contribute to strategic planning, financial modelling, and investor communications• Embed a culture of technical rigour, accountability, and collaboration across the organisation• Be willing to relocate if required as the pilot or commercial plant progresses (initial expectation: Nottingham/Yorkshire; future: UK or Europe)Essential Requirements• PhD in chemistry, materials science.• At least 5 years in a start-up as a senior innovation, scientific, or technical leadership role (ideally at C-suite level)• Proven experience managing scientific teams, with clear examples of mentoring, team development, and delivery under pressure• Track record of coordinating, obtaining and managing UK/EU grants • Experienced in stakeholder management, public-private partnerships, and consortia coordination• Familiarity with equipment procurement and negotiating technical contracts• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiencesDesirable Experience• Background in cement, concrete, or industrial CO₂ capture and utilisation• Experience scaling innovation from TRL 3–7+• Knowledge of LCA, EPDs, ESG reporting, or environmental regulation• Experience implementing or optimising R&D systems, quality controls, or process documentation• Demonstrated ability to build and lead R&D or innovation teams in high-growth, fast-paced environments• Familiarity with investor reporting and supporting fundraising strategy• Passion for sustainability, deep-tech innovation, and mission-driven workBenefits• Strategic leadership role in one of the UK’s most awarded climate-tech start-ups• Equity options and milestone-based bonus• Private health insurance and pension scheme• Competitive annual leave• Free meals and coffee at our Nottingham office• A rare opportunity to lead innovation from lab to full-scale deployment• Fast-track growth in a high-impact, high-visibility executive role