Help Shape the Future of UK Semiconductor Innovation

As the UK accelerates investment through its AI Hardware Plan and wider Industrial Strategy, semiconductors are increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic growth, sovereign capability and long-term international competitiveness .

About Us

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is entering an exciting new phase of growth. Established through Innovate UK investment, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult helps organisations accelerate innovation and commercialisation through world-class expertise, facilities and collaborative R&D capability. We work across semiconductor technologies and applications supporting sectors including clean energy, transportation, digital communications, defence, security and space.

As our remit expands and the semiconductor landscape evolves, we are developing a strategy for the next phase of growth, creating new opportunities for commercialisation, partnership and impact. Central to this strategy is our role in supporting two areas of national importance: AI hardware and defence. These priorities sit at the heart of the UK's ambitions for technological leadership, economic growth and sovereign capability, creating a significant opportunity to influence the future direction of the sector.

The Opportunity

As a key member of our Executive Team, the Chief Commercial Officer offers a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK's most strategically important technology sectors. Reporting directly to CEO Caroline O'Brien, you will play a pivotal role in defining and delivering the Catapult's commercial strategy, strengthening our market offering, and ensuring we maximise our impact for industry, government and the wider economy.

This is far more than a traditional commercial leadership role. It is an opportunity to move beyond the boundaries of a single organisation and play a leading role in the development of an entire industry.

The Role

You will be responsible for developing and executing commercial and product marketing strategy, identifying future markets, building strategic partnerships and translating technical capability into compelling customer propositions. Working closely with technical leaders, customers, funders and partners, you will ensure commercial opportunities, collaborative R&D programmes and strategic investments align with our mission and long-term objectives.

You will lead our commercial function, including Sales and Product Marketing, while contributing fully as a member of the Executive Team.

About You

We are interested in candidates who bring a combination of technical understanding, commercial leadership and strategic vision. You may currently work in semiconductors, deep technology, advanced engineering, innovation, research commercialisation, photonics, electronics, defence, aerospace, space or a related technology-intensive sector.

Most importantly, you will bring:

• Executive-level commercial leadership experience within semiconductors, deep technology, engineering, innovation or adjacent sectors.
• Strong technical credibility and the ability to engage confidently with CEOs, CTOs, scientists and engineers. A degree-level qualification in a technical discipline or equivalent experience is essential.
• A strong track record of delivering significant revenue growth and organisational commercial transformation.
• Experience leading commercial, sales, business development and/or market development functions.
• Demonstrable success in developing strategic partnerships and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Experience shaping organisational strategy and translating it into measurable business outcomes.
• Proven experience of building and embedding a high-performance commercial culture within a complex, technology-led or innovation-focused organisation.
• Outstanding commercial acumen with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the credibility to influence at Board and Executive level.
• Knowledge of the UK semiconductor ecosystem.
• Understanding of government, Innovate UK and broader public-sector funding environments is desirable.
• Experience securing collaborative R&D programmes and innovation funding.
• Experience shaping organisational strategy and translating vision into measurable outcomes.

Beyond experience, we are seeking someone who is naturally curious, comfortable challenging convention and motivated by the opportunity to help build the future of the UK semiconductor sector.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to:

• Influence the future direction of a nationally significant organisation.
• Play a leading role in the growth of the UK semiconductor ecosystem.
• Work alongside world-class technical and industry experts.
• Build strategic partnerships across industry, government and academia.
• Shape an evolving organisation entering an exciting new phase of development.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model

Join Us

If you are an ambitious commercial leader with the vision, technical credibility and leadership capability to help shape the future of semiconductor innovation, we would welcome a conversation.

At this Catapult, we view diversity as a competitive advantage. We value the breadth of perspectives, experiences and thinking styles that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute, thrive and perform at their best.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Emma French emma.french@gatenbysanderson.com or Michelle Atkinson Michelle.atkinson@gatenbysanderson.com at GatenbySanderson.

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing Date - Strictly
Monday 5th October 2026

Longlist Meeting
Either Friday 9th or Monday 12th October 2026

Preliminary Interviews
w/c Monday 12th October 2026

Shortlist Meeting
Late w/c Monday 19th October 2026

Assessments
w/c Monday 26th October 2026

Final Panel Interview
w/c Monday 9th November 2026

How to Apply

To apply for this post, you will need to submit the following application documents:

• A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A Statement of Suitability (no longer than two pages), giving examples of how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential technical skills and essential experience criteria in the person specification.