Chief Technology Officer - Advanced Materials

Role: Chief Technology Officer

Industry: Deep-tech / Advanced Materials / Sustainable Packaging

Location: Bristol

Our client is an ambitious, venture-backed materials innovation company pioneering the development of high-performance, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastic packaging.

Its proprietary technology combines naturally derived materials to create innovative barrier coatings that enable recyclable, fibre-based packaging to deliver the performance traditionally associated with conventional plastics.

Having successfully progressed from laboratory innovation to commercial deployment, the business has established partnerships with major global consumer brands and packaging manufacturers, with its technology already incorporated into products in market.

The business, which has secured approximately £8 million in funding to date, is currently raising a significant Series A round and entering an exciting phase of commercial growth, industrial scale-up and continued technology development.

As such, the Chief Technology Officer will join at a pivotal moment, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to shape the company's technology strategy, accelerate commercialisation and establish the technical capabilities required to support its next stage of growth.

This appointment will play a defining role in scaling existing technologies, developing the next generation of innovative materials, and building a high-performing technical organisation, while preserving the entrepreneurial culture and scientific curiosity that have underpinned the company's success to date.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished technical leader with a strong background in materials science, chemical engineering, polymers or biomaterials, alongside a proven track record of translating novel technologies into commercially viable products.

They will bring demonstrable experience of industrial scale-up, technology strategy and R&D leadership, combining deep scientific expertise with commercial judgement, entrepreneurial drive and the ability to build and inspire multidisciplinary teams. Experience of intellectual property strategy and AI-enabled materials development would be particularly valuable.

In return, this is an opportunity to take a central leadership role in one of the UK's emerging materials technology businesses, shaping a platform with the potential to transform global packaging markets and make a meaningful contribution to reducing plastic waste.

A competitive remuneration package including meaningful equity participation will be offered.

For more information, please contact emma@upscalepartners.com