Launched in August 2024, the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) is a £15m UKRI investment supplemented by over £20m in contributions from the public and private sector. NAPIC aims 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 co-led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 150+ national and international partners including academia, industry, regulatory bodies, investors, and policymakers. NAPIC is a cohesive pan-UK centre poised to revolutionise the UK’s agri-food sector by harnessing the UK’s 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: conducting research to address innovation challenges identified and prioritised by the alternative protein community; creating a national alternative protein knowledge base; developing the workforce of the future; and providing access to  innovation facilities.

NAPIC is now searching for a CEO to lead the centre’s mission on open innovation. Nominally based at the University of Leeds (flexible working  location), the CEO will act as the senior Executive, Chair the Executive Management Board of NAPIC and report to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of the 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 play a critical role in setting the NAPIC strategic vision, priorities, values, culture, and implementing the innovation-to-commercialisation business plan; ensuring the NAPIC is fit for the future.

The successful candidate will be an experienced dynamic leader or someone who is ready to make the transition to a senior leadership position who can create a successful interface between NAPIC partners (government and industry), and build strong long-lasting links and strategic partnerships to deliver NAPIC’s longer term aims and financial sustainability. You will bring a considerate, open, and persuasive approach to the development of NAPIC, ensuring strategic alignment whilst engaging and onboarding stakeholders. You will understand the impact of customer relationship management, building relationships and wider engagement are central to success in the role . 

You will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in Business or Research and Development (R&D) in the food, agriculture or allied technical sectors. You will have a robust understanding of the strategic business functions required to capture value and generate impact across the Discovery → Innovation → Commercialisation pipeline .

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

How to Apply

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lucy Roper at lucy.roper@perrettlaver.com or +(44) 20 3928 7358.

Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification, and including suitable daytime and evening telephone contact details. Completed applications should be uploaded by the deadline of 23.59pm GMT on Sunday 26th January 2025.

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