Senior Independent Board Member

Company overview

The Aerospace Technology Institute sits at the centre of UK aerospace research and technology.  It is responsible for the UK’s Aerospace Technology Strategy and the promotion of transformative technology in air transport, representing a joint industry and Government commitment to R&D funding of over £5 billion to 2035. The ATI represents a single, coherent national aerospace technology development programme that aims to strengthen the links between industry and academia whilst maximising opportunities for UK industry to gain access to European R&T programmes. It is a truly game-changing initiative, whose objective is to secure economic growth for the UK’s aerospace sector, for a more sustainable future. Projects funded through the ATI programme secure jobs, maintain skills and deliver economic benefits across the UK. 

 

The ATI establishes the pathway for technology progression for UK aerospace, which builds on the UK’s strengths and responds to the challenges faced by the UK civil aerospace sector. It also provides a roadmap of the innovation necessary to keep the UK competitive in the global aerospace market, whilst also complementing the broader strategy for the sector created by the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP).

 

The ATI works in partnership with the Department of Business, Science, Innovation and Trade  and Innovate UK to offer funding streams designed to accelerate innovation in the UK to maintain global competitiveness.

 

A small and young company charged with a big responsibility, the ATI encourages free thinking and innovation. We need individuals with drive, passion, ability to adapt and work flexibly, and who share our ambitions for the sector and UK.  Our team is collaborative, open, respectful, positive and supportive.  

 

More information about the ATI is available on its website: www.ati.org.uk 

 

Mission Statement

 

Transforming aerospace through technology and innovation.

 

Company Values

 

• We Collaborate for Success
• We provide Independent Leadership
• We are Forward Thinking

 

Diversity & Inclusion

We are experts in our field, trusted to be impartial in our activities, and present a fair and independent view. We are passionate about innovation and technology and understand the rewards of bringing together a diverse and forward-thinking team to explore, enhance and shape our aerospace agenda. We are committed to equality in everything we do. We are proud to lead by example, demonstrating independent leadership and collaborating for success in all aspects of our work.

 

 

The Opportunity

 A Senior independent Board Member is sought to succeed an existing Independent Board member who has reached the end of their term. This is an exciting time for the Board to evolve.

 

Position Title: Independent Board Member, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Member of the Audit/Risk Committee and Nominations Committee. The successful candidate will also be required to be a Guarantor Member of the Company

Term and remuneration: This individual will be expected to commit for an initial term of two years, and up to 15 days per year, which will include six fixed Board meetings, along with a further three fixed committee meetings.  The remuneration will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.  Reasonable travel expenses will also be paid.

                                          

Location: The Board meetings are held at the Aerospace Technology Institutes offices in London (2nd Floor, Midford Place, London, W1T 5BJ).

                            

                                                         

The Role

 

• Work closely with the Chair and other Board members to ensure the ATI delivers the relevant parts of the Aerospace Industrial Strategy.
• Attend Board meetings and committees (Audit and Risk Committee & Remuneration Committee) and provide advice, guidance and challenge.
• Monitor and ensure progress against the technology strategies and programmes put forward by the ATI.
• Meet as appropriate with industry, government and academic stakeholders and the media
• Support the process to appoint senior staff to the ATI.

 

Non-executives need to have the insight and experience to unpick ‘aerospace timescales’ which drive the industry; yet they must appreciate and have deep experience of operating in regulated environments.

 

The appointees should not be aligned to any of the major grant recipients.

 

It is anticipated that the independent Board member will have prior Board experience and likely experience of chairing Remuneration Committees, along with deep experience of innovation and commercialisation from another sector, relevant to the future of aerospace.

 

Conflicts of Interest

You must inform us if you have any conflict of interest that might affect your ability to undertake this role. You will be able to act independently and will not be currently employed by any of the companies seeking funding from the ATI. You may have been employed in the past by these companies.

 

You should disclose information on any relevant business interest, public appointment or position of authority, including other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies. You should disclose if you have ever been made the subject of a bankruptcy order.

 

You should also disclose if you perform either a paid or senior or particularly sensitive party-political role. This information will not prevent your consideration as a candidate; however it may be made public in any subsequent announcement if you are successful and would need to be discussed at interview.

 

The Candidate

 

• Significant experience in the boardroom and senior executive leadership teams with the ability to contribute to the Board.
• Significant experience providing commercial leadership within technology-based industries where long cycles of technology investment are a fundamental driver.
• The stature and authority to command the respect of senior stakeholders in the aerospace industry.
• The ability to challenge the status quo and drive change, with proven success in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience of working with, and access to, international venture capital networks would be beneficial in supporting the ATI's objectives.
• The ability to operate independently and in a non-partisan manner.

 

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

 

Assignment Process and Timeline

 

Short-listed applicants will go through a three-stage interview process with the ATI. Offers of employment are subject to the completion of satisfactory background verification checks.

 

This vacancy is open for applications until 20 September 2026.

Contact details

 

For more information on this assignment, please contact hr@ati.org.uk