Strategic Partnerships Director - Aerospace

Strategic Partnerships Director – Aerospace

NCC – Innovating for Industry

Location:

Bristol (Hybrid working)
Salary:
Competitive Salary plus up to 12.5% employer pension, private medical insurance and additional benefits package.
Closing Date: 18th January 2026.

We are seeking an experienced senior leader to lead, develop and diversify NCC’s Aerospace Partnership portfolio. This includes working closely with industry, policy‑makers and investment organisations (regionally and nationally) to deliver even greater impact for the sector and for the UK. Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, NCC is an independent, open‑access technology centre focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges.

You will join this dynamic organisation as it implements its 5‑year strategy, one that is growth and impact focused.

• Set strategic direction and implement a strategic partnership approach to accelerate and drive business growth through a portfolio of technology, capability, and service offerings.
• Develop a network of senior leaders across innovation, industry, professional services and allied organisations and networks.
• Raise NCC’s profile across this stakeholder landscape to ensure its capabilities and expertise are known and understood.
• Expand NCC’s portfolio of innovative partnership constructs and commercial offerings; informed by latest external analysis and market insight.
• Represent NCC on relevant business and industry initiatives and networks and inform organisational thought leadership.
• In partnership with the Director for External Affairs, inform national and sub‑national strategy and investment decisions.
• Work collaboratively with NCC Directors and teams to inform the development and delivery of impactful, targeted and customer‑focused external sector campaigns that grow the business and expand its customer pipeline.
• Be committed to developing the talents of the wider organisation.
• Alongside leading day‑to‑day activities, deliver high‑priority projects and secure the public and private sector funding needed to deliver them.

• Evidence of a strong, senior network with leaders across the aerospace sector (OEMs and supply chain).
• Experience supporting companies to grow and scale through innovation partnerships.
• Track record of convening senior stakeholder groups to secure and or deliver major innovation initiatives.
• Developed understanding of the UK innovation funding landscape and relevant aerospace networks and initiatives.
• Evidenced ability to use data, including stakeholder insights and wider intelligence, to inform strategy development and underpin business growth.
• Proven track record in skilful navigation through senior stakeholders across the business and industry.
• Leadership in acting as an ambassador and advocate for an organisation and or sector.
• Track record of strong leadership, of delivering through others in a matrix organisation and developing high‑performing teams.

Regular travel to Bristol and London.

Hybrid and flexible working, annual salary reviews, company‑paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol, focus on wellbeing, EDI, learning and development.

Please feel free to reach out to the recruitment team –