Chief Operating Officer, National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC)

Are you ready to shape the future of a dynamic, internationally leading innovation and knowledge centre in alternative protein? Are you a senior executive with the ability to think strategically to help deliver the National Protein Strategy for the UK? Do you have a successful track record in leading business engagement across the alternative protein sector?  

We are looking for a CEO to join the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). NAPIC is a £38m entity (including a £15m UKRI investment) to lead the UK’s alternative protein knowledge and Innovation ecosystem. NAPIC’s vision is to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet. The centre is led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 100 national and international partners. NAPIC is a cohesive pan-UK centre poised to revolutionise the UK’s agri-food sector by harnessing our world-leading science base through a co-created alternative protein strategy across the Discovery → Innovation → Commercialisation pipeline to support the transition to a sustainable, high growth, blended protein bioeconomy. NAPIC features four integrated activity streams: research to address innovation challenges; a national alternative protein knowledge base; workforce of the future; and accessible Innovation facilities. 

NAPIC is currently undergoing an exciting investment in a number of senior roles across the four leading organisations. As the CEO located at the University of Leeds, you will act as the senior Executive, Chair the Executive Management Board of NAPIC and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, University of Leeds. Working in close partnership with members of the Executive Management Board and other senior external stakeholders from industry and academia), you will lead a wide range of operational and strategic initiatives. You will be an experienced senior level leader, with a background in a scientific discipline (ideally interdisciplinary with an appreciation of natural, physical and social sciences), who creates a successful interface between NAPIC partners (government and industry), and builds strong long-lasting links with strategic partnership to deliver NAPIC’s longer term financial sustainability. Your approach will be considerate, open, persuasive and engaging, bringing key stakeholders along with you, ensuring strategic alignment and delivering the objectives. You will understand the impact of customer relationship management, building relationships and wider engagement are important aspects of the role. 

You will be a strategic thinker and senior Research and Development (R&D) leader who has a proven track record of senior management and strategic development in alternative protein or allied sector that deliver products and services to market. You will have a robust understanding of strategic business functions required to bring a intellectual property and high value scientific propositions to market. 

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

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