At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function and build a pioneering advisory practice in industrial safety and robotics.
- Company: Confidential client launching a groundbreaking venture in the UK market.
- Benefits: Founding equity, competitive salary, and performance shares.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for significant influence and career-defining impact.
- Why this job: Join as a founding partner and shape the future of industrial automation.
- Qualifications: 15-25 years in machinery safety or robotics with strong client revenue generation.
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.
Digital Partner employer: Umbilical Advanced
As a pioneering advisory practice at the forefront of industrial safety and advanced robotics, our company offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth and influence in a rapidly evolving sector. With founding equity and a collaborative work culture, you will be part of a team that shapes industry standards and engages with top-tier clients, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that values innovation and expertise. This role not only promises a significant impact on the future of industrial automation in the UK but also provides a unique platform for personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Partner
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry leaders! Attend events, join relevant forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your network. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. Share your insights on platforms like LinkedIn or at industry events. We want to see you as a thought leader in industrial safety and robotics, so let your voice be heard!
✨Be Ready to Pitch
When you get the chance to meet potential partners or clients, be prepared to pitch your vision. We’re talking about a clear, concise presentation of how you can add value to their operations. Practice makes perfect, so rehearse your pitch until it feels natural.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a Founding Partner, don’t hesitate! Apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can help shape the future of this venture!
We think you need these skills to ace Digital 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 and how your unique experiences align with our vision.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in machinery safety, robotics, or advisory practices. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of our industry, so show us you know your stuff!
Showcase Your Network:Since this role involves leveraging existing relationships, don’t hesitate to mention your connections within the industry. Whether it’s HSE Directors or Plant Managers, let us know how your network can help kickstart our venture. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember that this is a serious founding position. Strike a balance between being approachable and maintaining professionalism. We want to see your enthusiasm, but also your capability to represent us at high-level engagements.
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 the UK market, especially if you've been involved in committees or speaking engagements. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role involves converting your existing network into anchor clients, be prepared to discuss how you plan to do this. Bring examples of past successes in client engagement and how you’ve built relationships with HSE Directors and Operations Directors. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Vision
This isn’t just about filling a position; it’s about building a practice from the ground up. Be ready to articulate your vision for the commercial function and how you would lead it. Think about the strategies you’d employ to shape hiring and positioning, and be prepared to share these insights during the interview.
✨Engage with the Founding Equity Concept
Understand what founding equity means and be ready to discuss how you see yourself contributing to the long-term success of the venture. This is a unique opportunity, so express your enthusiasm for being part of something groundbreaking and how you can help shape its future.
