Chief Executive Officer Innovations Ltd

Vacancy y: 130,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Job Group:
Professional Services (Management, Admin, Specialists, Technical & Operations Support)
Industry: Senior Staff Posted:
Closing date:
Job Advert PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS ROLE ON THIS SYSTEM Chief Executive Officer for Cardiff Innovations Ltd The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Harvir Bains via  or +44 (0). For further details, including information on how to apply, please visit quoting reference 8671.

Cardiff Innovations Ltd is a newly established, wholly owned subsidiary of Cardiff University, created to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and enterprise activity across the University. It will provide a single gateway for researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners and investors, bringing together commercialisation, incubation and enterprise activity within a dedicated organisation focused on delivering impact and growth. It will be an anchor organisation delivering innovation services for Cardiff and Wales, helping to drive Cardiff as a fourth-generation University for a devolved nation.

Launching formally in April 2027, Cardiff Innovations Ltd is backed by one of the UK's leading research universities, which brings a growing portfolio of spin-outs and deep partnerships across industry and government. Cardiff University has a comprehensive research and innovation base that is growing in strength and number, with a live grant portfolio worth over £600 million. Together, these strengths represent a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation-led growth for Cardiff, Wales and beyond.

The Cardiff Innovations Ltd Board is now seeking to appoint its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will have a rare opportunity to build a new innovation organisation from the ground up, develop a high-performing team, grow strategic partnerships, create opportunities for innovation to thrive and deliver lasting benefits for society aligned with economic growth and wider prosperity.

The successful candidate will combine commercial acumen with a passion for innovation, bringing a proven track record of developing partnerships, identifying growth opportunities and delivering organisational impact. They will be able to work effectively across academia, industry, devolved and national governments and investment communities, creating the conditions for new ventures, commercial success and long-term economic and societal benefit.

We encourage you to arrange a discussion with our search partner, Perrett Laver, to find out more about the opportunity.

How to apply

The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Harvir Bains via  or +44 (0). For further details, including information on how to apply, please visit quoting reference 8671. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae, detailing experience, full employment history and relevant achievements.

CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. The closing date for applications is 09:00 BST on Monday 2nd November. Long listed candidates will be invited for preliminary meetings with Perrett Laver during w/c 9 November, following which the Search Committee will agree on a shortlist.

Final interviews and assessments with Cardiff University for shortlisted candidates…