Oryx Executive Search
Non Executive Director
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Non-Executive Director – Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC UK) & Zenzic
Oryx Executive Search is pleased to be supporting APC UK and Zenzic in the appointment of a Non-Executive Director.
This appointment comes at a significant moment for both organisations and for the wider UK automotive sector. As the industry continues its transition towards electrification, connected and automated mobility, and increasingly digitalised manufacturing environments, APC UK and Zenzic remain at the forefront of efforts to translate innovation into industrial capability and long-term economic value.
Since its establishment in 2013, APC UK has played a central role in accelerating the development and commercialisation of low-carbon automotive technologies across the UK, working in partnership with government, industry and academia to strengthen domestic supply chains and support investment in advanced manufacturing. Zenzic leads the UK's Connected and Automated Mobility ecosystem, promoting collaboration and enabling the safe deployment of next-generation mobility technologies.
The recent launch of the UK's DRIVE35 programme, alongside continued investment in connected and automated mobility through the CAM Pathfinder initiative, marks a new phase in the scale, complexity and strategic importance of both organisations' work.
As APC UK and Zenzic enter a period of increased strategic influence, the Board is seeking to enhance its industrial and manufacturing perspective to ensure that investment, innovation and policy objectives remain closely aligned with practical delivery.
APC UK and Zenzic are therefore seeking to appoint a new Non-Executive Director to further strengthen the Board's manufacturing and industrial capability.
The Opportunity
The Board is seeking an individual who can bring a deep understanding of manufacturing, industrial delivery and supply chain competitiveness to strategic discussions.
This appointment is intended to further strengthen the manufacturing perspective of the Board ensuring that decisions regarding technology development, investment and industrial strategy remain firmly connected to the realities of production, scalability and long-term competitiveness.
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The successful candidate will provide independent challenge and informed judgement, whilst contributing constructively to Board discussions and supporting the Executive team through a period of change and transformation.
In addition to governance responsibilities, the individual will be expected to bring insight into advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience and the practical implications of global market dynamics. They will help ensure that strategic discussions remain grounded in the realities of industrial execution and long-term manufacturing capability.
Candidate Profile
We are interested in speaking with individuals who have operated at senior executive, divisional or Board level within automotive manufacturing or other advanced manufacturing sectors characterised by high-value production, complex international supply chains and significant technology-enabled transformation.
While automotive experience would be highly relevant, the Board would also welcome interest from leaders who have built their careers within other advanced manufacturing sectors where success is dependent upon operational excellence, sophisticated international supply chains and the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies at scale.
The ideal candidate is likely to bring:
- Significant leadership experience within an OEM, Tier 1, Tier 2 or comparable advanced manufacturing environment
- A strong understanding of manufacturing systems, industrialisation and supply chain dynamics
- Experience operating within complex international supply chains and understanding the competitive factors that influence global manufacturing investment and production decisions
- A proven track record of leading operational, technological or organisational transformation
- Demonstrable experience of implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve operational performance, productivity and competitiveness
- Practical knowledge of data-driven production environments, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies
- Strong commercial judgement and strategic perspective
- The ability to contribute independent challenge whilst maintaining a collaborative and constructive approach
- Credibility with senior stakeholders across industry, government and partner organisations
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Experience of working within grant-funded or publicly funded innovation environments would be advantageous, although this is not essential.
Previous Non-Executive Director experience is welcomed but not a prerequisite. Individuals seeking a first Board appointment will be considered where they can demonstrate the appropriate depth of leadership experience, sector credibility and strategic judgement.
The Role
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing independent challenge and oversight to support effective Board decision-making
- Contributing to the development and review of organisational strategy
- Strengthening Board understanding of manufacturing capability, industrialisation and supply chain resilience
- Supporting consideration of emerging technologies and their practical application within manufacturing environments
- Bringing insight into global competitiveness, industrial strategy and the challenges facing UK manufacturing organisations
- Supporting stakeholder engagement across government, industry and the wider mobility ecosystem
- Helping ensure that investment and innovation programmes remain focused on scalable industrial outcomes
Further Information
This appointment offers a rare opportunity to contribute to organisations operating at the intersection of government, industry and technology, and to play a meaningful role in shaping the future competitiveness of the UK automotive and mobility sectors.
The successful candidate will join a Board that helps influence how innovation is translated into industrial capability, how supply chains are strengthened, and how investment supports long-term economic growth and manufacturing competitiveness across the UK.
For a confidential discussion regarding this appointment, please contact:
Nic Davis at Oryx Executive Search
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