At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth strategies and partnerships to support Tough Tech entrepreneurs.
- Company: Join a nonprofit dedicated to solving the world's toughest challenges through innovation.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on mentorship and leadership.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming breakthrough science into real-world solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in growth roles, ideally within tough tech sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
About The Engine
The Engine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Tough Tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s most challenging problems. We provide founders with the infrastructure, capital access, and operational support needed to turn breakthrough science and technology into real-world impact.
About The Role
We are seeking a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) to lead the next stage of growth at The Engine. The CGO will oversee partnership strategy, revenue growth, and market positioning, while serving as a senior thought partner to the CEO and leadership team. This role is ideal for an experienced Tough Tech entrepreneur or commercial leader who has scaled companies, built first‑of‑a‑kind (FOAK) projects or facilities, and is energized at being an evangelist for Tough Tech entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Design and own a growth strategy across partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborators that advances our mission and expands our impact.
- Source, structure, and close strategic partnerships with corporates, foundations, and ecosystem players that unlock capital and capabilities for our organization.
- Build and maintain a high‑value network of commercial partners and investors across tough tech sections such as climate tech, sustainability, industrial decarbonization, biotech, and adjacent sectors.
- Represent the organization as a visible leader in the tough tech ecosystem through speaking engagements, content, and thought leadership.
- Act as a collaborative thought partner to the CEO and leadership team, helping to shape overall strategy, long‑term planning, and board engagement.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to resident company CEOs, helping them sharpen go‑to‑market strategy, build commercial pipelines, and prepare for major milestones such as pilots, FOAK deployments, and exits.
- Bring pattern recognition from scaling companies and leading exits/acquisitions to help founders navigate inflection points.
- Design and refine value propositions for partners and portfolio companies that leverage our unique position as a tough‑tech incubator.
- Build, manage, and mentor a high‑performing growth team (e.g., partnerships, business development, fundraising) and foster a culture of execution, learning, and collaboration.
- Step into leadership conversations and key decisions as needed, with the ability to “fill in for the CEO” in external settings.
- Identify emerging industries, technologies, and markets that align with our thesis in climate tech, industrial decarbonization, biotech, and broader tough‑tech.
- Bring a hands‑on, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves approach, with willingness to jump into gaps and help the organization grow and evolve.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in growth‑oriented roles (e.g., founder/CEO, commercial leader, business development, partnerships, or corporate development), ideally in a tough tech sector.
- Direct experience as a tough tech entrepreneur, founder, and/or CEO, or as a senior commercial leader in a scaling tough tech company.
- Demonstrated success building and executing partnership strategies that deliver measurable outcomes (e.g., revenue, pilots, FOAK deployments, strategic alliances).
- Experience working with startups and helping companies scale through key stages (from early pilots to commercial scale, including funding rounds and/or exits).
- Strong track record managing and growing teams in high‑ambiguity, mission‑driven environments.
- Ability to operate effectively in board and senior stakeholder settings, including preparing materials and presenting strategy.
- Deep networks across commercial partners and investors relevant to climate tech, sustainability, industrial decarbonization, biotech, or related industries.
- Passion for emerging technologies and tough tech innovation, with the ability to quickly understand new technical domains and their commercial applications.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Chief Growth Officer in Cambridge employer: The Engine
The Engine is an exceptional employer for those passionate about driving impactful change through Tough Tech innovation. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work culture, employees benefit from unique growth opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to shape the future of technology that addresses global challenges. Located in a vibrant ecosystem, The Engine offers a dynamic environment where creativity and strategic thinking thrive, making it an ideal place for professionals eager to make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Growth Officer in Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the tough tech scene! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you’re chatting with potential employers or partners, let your enthusiasm for tough tech shine through. Share your experiences and insights, and make it clear why you’re excited about the mission. People love working with those who are genuinely passionate!
✨Be a Thought Leader
Position yourself as an expert by sharing your knowledge on platforms like LinkedIn or at industry events. Write articles, give talks, or participate in panels. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows that you’re committed to advancing the tough tech ecosystem.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to support tough tech entrepreneurs.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Growth Officer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Growth Officer role. Highlight your experience in tough tech and how it aligns with our mission at The Engine. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the table!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven growth, built partnerships, or led teams in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not only experienced but also passionate about tough tech. Share your story and what motivates you to make a difference in this field!
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 you’re serious about joining our team at The Engine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Engine
✨Know Your Tough Tech
Dive deep into the tough tech landscape before your interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and emerging technologies in sectors like climate tech and biotech. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with The Engine's mission.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful partnerships you've built in the past. Be ready to discuss how you structured these deals and the measurable outcomes they achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to drive growth through collaboration, a key aspect of the Chief Growth Officer role.
✨Be a Thought Leader
Think about how you can position yourself as a thought leader in the tough tech ecosystem. Prepare insights or ideas that you could share during the interview, showcasing your vision for the future of tough tech and how you can contribute to The Engine's growth strategy.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, engage with the leadership team by asking insightful questions about their current challenges and goals. This shows your collaborative spirit and willingness to step into a thought partner role, which is crucial for the CGO position.
