🚀 Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Location: UK-based, with a need to be in London two days per week

Travel: UK-wide, with some international commitments

Sector: Advanced Manufacturing, Automation & Technology

Frankland Automation have been appointed as the exclusive search partner for this position.

About the Organisation

We’re representing a long-established UK trade association at the forefront of the country’s advanced manufacturing and automation sectors. The organisation supports a diverse membership base spanning engineering, robotics, process automation, and technology innovation.

With a strong reputation for delivering industry-leading events, technical insight, and policy influence, the association plays a vital role in championing the adoption of automation and smart manufacturing across the UK.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an influential membership organisation with deep sector roots and a mission to accelerate industrial innovation.

The Role

As Chief Executive Officer , you’ll lead the strategic, operational, and representational direction of the association. Working closely with an elected Board of Directors , you’ll set the vision, shape policy, and drive member engagement across the UK and beyond.

You’ll oversee a multi-disciplinary executive team, ensuring excellence across operations, events, marketing, finance, and technical programmes — while representing the organisation to industry partners, government stakeholders, and the media.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a clear organisational vision, supported by measurable short-, medium-, and long-term goals.
• Drive membership growth across existing and emerging technology sectors.
• Oversee implementation of strategic initiatives across events, public affairs, and technical activities.
• Report regularly to the Board, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with long-term objectives.

Operational & Team Management

• Provide leadership across core business functions including marketing, operations, publishing, finance, and HR.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, and resource management across the organisation.
• Represent the association at conferences, exhibitions, and member events nationwide.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Proven leadership experience at senior or executive level within a trade body, technology association, or industrial organisation.
• Strong understanding of advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, or related industrial technology sectors.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership.
• Financial acumen and experience overseeing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, influence, and public speaking skills.

Desirable

• Experience in business development, membership growth, or funding strategies.
• Knowledge of industry representation, lobbying, or policy engagement.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with governance or leadership training is beneficial.

Personal Attributes

• Inspiring and approachable leader who enjoys developing teams.
• Confident communicator capable of engaging at senior industry and government levels.
• Flexible and willing to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.

Why Apply

This is an opportunity to lead a respected national organisation driving innovation and industrial growth within the UK’s technology landscape. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping the future of British manufacturing and automation, influencing both industry direction and national policy.