Octric is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and hands-on CEO to drive both immediate performance improvements and long-term business transformation. Taking over from the interim CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for building a world-class leadership team, overseeing a major capital investment programme, and spearheading business development initiatives to transition the company from its current loss-making position to a sustainable and profitable enterprise. As the CEO of a government-owned entity, the role carries accountability to the MOD for financial stewardship and compliance, with direct reporting to Ministers.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a company at the heart of the UKs defence semiconductor strategy, with full government backing and a clear mandate for growth. With a significant investment pipeline and ambitious expansion plans, the incoming CEO will play a crucial role in shaping the future of a business with both national security and commercial significance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic leadership:
- Develop and execute a robust growth strategy aligned with the MODs defence priorities and commercial market opportunities.
- Expand Octrics revenue streams by securing new defence and non-defence contracts.
- Lead integration efforts for new business units and drive investment funding strategies.
- Position Octric as an innovation leader in the semiconductor sector.
- Building a high-performing team:
- Recruit and develop a world-class executive team capable of delivering on Octrics ambitious growth plans.
- Foster a high-performance culture that encourages innovation, accountability, and excellence.
- Ensure the retention and development of top talent to future-proof the organisation.
Operational excellence:
- Oversee complex manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and scalability.
- Manage human resources effectively, shaping a positive workplace culture.
- Identify and mitigate operational and financial risks.
- Ensure full compliance with defence sector regulations, including health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Maintain rigorous financial controls and transparent reporting to the MOD.
- Champion research and development efforts to drive technological advancements.
- Stakeholder engagement and governance:
- Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, defence clients, suppliers, and contractors.
- Maintain an effective partnership with the Chair and Non-Executive Directors to align company strategy with governance priorities.
- Represent Octric in industry discussions on semiconductor strategy and national security of supply.
- Ensure clear and compelling communication of the companys vision and strategy to internal and external audiences.
The Candidate
Experience and Professional Qualifications
- Proven track record as a CEO or senior executive in a high-tech or advanced manufacturing environment.
- Experience in the defence or aerospace sector is highly desirable.
- Strong background in business transformation, financial turnaround, and capital investment management.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with government stakeholders and navigate public-sector governance.
- Experience in the semiconductor industry is advantageous but not essential.
- Must be a UK national capable of obtaining security clearance.
- Skills and Competencies
- Visionary leadership: A strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
- Hands-on approach: Willingness to be deeply involved in day-to-day operations while driving long-term strategy.
- Excellent communicator: Strong influencing skills with the ability to engage at all levels.
- Integrity & accountability: Demonstrates high ethical standards and transparency.
- Resilience & agility: Able to lead through complex challenges and uncertainty.
- Innovation mindset: Passionate about technology and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
