At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function and build relationships with key clients in industrial safety and robotics.
- Company: Confidential advisory practice launching in the UK, focused on industrial safety and advanced robotics.
- Benefits: Founding equity, competitive draw, performance share, and a unique opportunity to shape the industry.
- Other info: Confidential search with excellent growth potential and institutional backing.
- Why this job: Join as a founding partner and make a significant impact in a pioneering venture.
- Qualifications: 15-25 years in machinery safety or robotics, with a strong client revenue track record.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Our client is preparing the UK launch of a category-defining advisory practice at the intersection of industrial safety, advanced robotics, and emerging regulatory frameworks. We are retained on an exclusive, confidential basis to identify the commercial Founding Partner who will help build it. This is a once-in-a-career proposition. Not a senior hire. Not a 'join my startup' approach. A genuine founding seat, with founding equity, in a venture that is already establishing relationships at the highest levels of UK standards-setting, the London insurance market, and the manufacturers and operators who will define the next decade of industrial automation in this country.
The person we are looking for is likely:
- 15–25 years into a career in machinery safety, functional safety, robotics applications, or notified-body assessment
- Personally generating £500k–£2m+ in client revenue, but capped on equity and influence where they sit today
- Comfortable selling six-figure engagements to HSE Directors, Operations Directors, and Plant Managers across logistics, automotive, FMCG, or pharma
- Known on the UK circuit — possibly speaking at Smart Factory Expo, Automation UK, or IMHX, possibly sitting on a BSI technical committee (AMT/10, MCE/3, GEL/44)
- Quietly frustrated by the pace of a large, notified body, the technical ceiling of a small consultancy, or the single-product limits of an OEM commercial role
What sets this opportunity apart:
- Founding equity in a UK-first practice with a defined and defensible market position
- A platform that combines advisory, assessment, and ongoing retained work — three integrated revenue lines, not a single product
- Active engagement with BSI committee work and a route to a named seat from year one
- Relationships in the London insurance market that no incumbent UK consultancy currently offers
- Authorship: your name on the annual market report, the regulatory commentary, the case studies that will define how this category is understood
- A founding team with serious institutional credibility and committed backing
What you will do in the first 18 months:
- Build and lead the commercial function from a standing start
- Convert your existing network into the first cohort of anchor clients
- Co-author the firm's technical and thought-leadership output
- Represent the practice on committees, panels, and at the industry events that matter
- Help shape hiring, positioning, and the path to Series A-equivalent growth
The package:
- Founding equity.
- Competitive draw.
- Performance share.
Full details shared under NDA after an initial confidential conversation. This search is being run discreetly. Approaches are welcomed from candidates currently employed, and absolute confidentiality is assured at every stage. Full role specification available on request once a mutual NDA is in place.
Design Partner employer: Umbilical Advanced
As a pioneering advisory practice at the forefront of industrial safety and advanced robotics, our client offers an unparalleled opportunity for a Design Partner to shape the future of this emerging field. With founding equity, a collaborative work culture, and direct engagement with industry leaders, this role promises not only significant professional growth but also the chance to influence regulatory frameworks and market standards in the UK. Join a team that values innovation and expertise, where your contributions will be recognised and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Partner
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry leaders! Attend events, join relevant forums, and engage on social media. We all know that who you know can be just as important as what you know, so make those connections count!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk! Share your insights through articles or talks at industry events. We want to see you positioning yourself as a thought leader in machinery safety and robotics. This will help you stand out when opportunities arise.
✨Leverage Your Existing Network
Reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re on the lookout for new opportunities. We often overlook the power of our own networks, so don’t hesitate to ask for introductions or advice. You never know who might have the perfect lead!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website. We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for us to connect with you. Plus, it shows you’re serious about landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Design Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role. Don't just regurgitate your CV; tell us why this opportunity excites you!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Highlight your expertise in machinery safety, robotics, or any relevant areas that make you a perfect fit for this founding partner role.
Showcase Your Network:Since this role involves converting your existing network into clients, mention any key relationships you've built over the years. We want to know how you can leverage these connections to kickstart our advisory practice.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. And don’t forget to apply through our website for a smooth process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Umbilical Advanced
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and regulations in industrial safety and robotics. Brush up on your knowledge of BSI committees and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections in the industry. Be prepared to talk about how you can convert these relationships into anchor clients for the new practice. Show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential business developer.
✨Showcase Your Thought Leadership
Prepare to discuss your previous contributions to industry reports or panels. Highlight any speaking engagements or publications you've been involved in, as this will demonstrate your credibility and influence in the field.
✨Be Visionary
This isn’t just about filling a role; it’s about building something from the ground up. Come with ideas on how you would shape the commercial function and contribute to the firm’s growth. Show them you’re ready to take on a founding partner role.
