At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function and build relationships with key clients in industrial safety and robotics.
- Company: Confidential client launching a pioneering advisory practice in the UK.
- Benefits: Founding equity, competitive salary, and performance shares.
- Other info: Engage with industry leaders and contribute to significant market reports and thought leadership.
- Why this job: Join a unique opportunity to shape the future of industrial automation and safety.
- Qualifications: 15-25 years in machinery safety or robotics, with strong client revenue generation skills.
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.
Project Partner employer: Umbilical Advanced
Join a pioneering advisory practice at the forefront of industrial safety and advanced robotics, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of this sector in the UK. With founding equity and a collaborative work culture, you will engage with top-tier clients and industry leaders, driving innovation and establishing your name in influential publications. This role not only offers competitive compensation but also a platform for significant professional growth and impact in a rapidly evolving market.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project 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.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk! Share your insights through articles or speaking engagements. This will not only boost your visibility but also position you as a thought leader in industrial safety and robotics.
✨Leverage Your Existing Network
Reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re on the lookout for new opportunities. We can help you convert those connections into potential clients or partners for this exciting venture.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Project 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’re interested in how you can leverage these connections to kickstart our new venture.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism throughout your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for this unique opportunity.
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 how you can integrate advisory, assessment, and retained work into a cohesive strategy.
✨Prepare for Thought Leadership
You’ll be co-authoring technical outputs and representing the practice at industry events. Come prepared with ideas on what topics you’d like to cover and how you can contribute to shaping the firm’s voice in the market. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are committed to making a significant impact.
