Chief Technology Officer in Coventry

We have a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to join MTC’s Executive team and be at the forefront of driving innovation. As Chief Technology Officer you’ll have strategic responsibility for shaping, developing, and delivering the MTC’s technology vision, bringing entrepreneurial decision‑making to ensure the MTC remains at the forefront of technology leadership. Reporting to the CEO, you’ll be part of an inspired and passionate executive leadership team who steer a 1,000‑strong cross‑functional team in delivering world‑class technology and skills delivery.

We’re looking for an inspirational leader with experience of multidisciplinary teams across research, technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. With a passion for innovation and people you’ll be responsible for leading 500+ engineers and research professionals, ensuring that the MTC creates capability in emerging areas critical to the future of UK industry. You’ll also have significant influence with industrial partners, government departments, funding bodies and national innovation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the MTC technology strategy, ensuring alignment with future industry needs, government priorities, and MTC’s mission.
• Create and grow capability in emerging technology domains such as advanced automation, digital manufacturing, sustainability technologies, AI‑enabled manufacturing, next‑generation materials, and other frontier areas identified through industrial foresight.
• Create a culture of innovation, learning and personal growth and develop high‑performing teams.
• Provide national and international thought leadership, inspiring industry to innovate, adopt advanced technologies and accelerate productivity improvements.
• Engage with UK government departments, Innovate UK, Catapult centres and funding agencies to influence policy and secure investment into programmes that deliver maximum impact on industrial performance.
• Strengthen the MTC’s role as a trusted advisor by translating complex technology trends into actionable strategies for industry leaders.
• Lead major innovation programmes and strategic partnerships, ensuring delivery excellence and strong return on investment.
• Develop the skills and capability pipeline needed by industry, working with the MTC Training Centre and Skills teams.
• Work with universities to identify, mature and translate emerging technologies into industrial application.
• Represent the MTC as a senior spokesperson, speaking at conferences, industry forums, ministerial round‑tables and high‑level strategic engagements.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for somebody with proven leadership experience in a senior technology, engineering or innovation role within manufacturing, industrial technology or a related sector. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to set and deliver long‑term technology strategies at organisational or national scale, build new technical capability, develop high‑performing teams and manage large R&D or innovation programmes. This role requires strong influencing skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across industry, government, funding bodies and academia.

Key Attributes

• Deep understanding of the UK manufacturing ecosystem, emerging technology trends and industrial adoption challenges.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration and skills, with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.
• Evidence of thought leadership, including publications, keynote speaking, panel contributions or recognised industry influence.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s, MBA, PhD) in engineering, science or technology related fields.
• Experience working within or alongside Catapult centres, government policy groups, standards bodies or national innovation frameworks.
• Experience influencing government, industry and academia.
• Experience scaling new technologies from TRL demonstration to industrial deployment.
• Professional recognition (e.g., Chartered Engineer, Fellowship of recognised bodies).
• Experience shaping industrial skills or workforce development programmes.

Interview Process

Once you submit your application, this will be passed on to our Talent Acquisition team for reference and security checks review. If you are successfully shortlisted, the next steps will be a 2‑stage interview process and meeting with members of the MTC Board. Due to the nature of our business, all employment is subject to satisfactory references and a level of security clearance checks.

About The MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is an internationally renowned and respected research and development organisation, bridging the gap between academia and manufacturing. The MTC’s engineers, scientists and technicians work with some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world in a supportive and collegiate environment for the development and demonstration of new technologies on an industrial scale, helping manufacturers of all sizes develop new and innovative processes and technologies.

Established to prove cutting‑edge manufacturing advances in an agile environment in partnership with industry, academia and other institutions, the MTC works with hundreds of industrial clients across a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, informatics, food and drink, infrastructure, construction and civil engineering, electronics, oil and gas and defence. The MTC helps businesses thrive by advancing their technological and engineering capabilities to improve their business efficiency, capability and competitiveness.

Supported by one of the largest public sector investments in UK Manufacturing, the MTC’s engineering capabilities cover research and development, advanced manufacturing management, factory design and training for the skills of the future. The MTC has world‑class facilities in Coventry, Liverpool and Oxford, and is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, supported by Innovate UK.