Chief Technical Officer

Harper Fox Partners has been exclusively retained to appoint a Chief Technical Officer on behalf of a globally recognised advanced materials manufacturer. This represents a rare opportunity to join the Executive Leadership Team of an innovation-driven organisation whose technologies support some of the world's leading automotive, aerospace, transportation and industrial manufacturers.

The successful individual will inherit responsibility for a highly regarded global research and development organisation, a substantial intellectual property portfolio, and a technology platform that has been built over decades of scientific innovation and commercial success.

This is not simply a functional leadership role.

It is a business-critical executive appointment tasked with shaping the future direction of the organisation's technology strategy, innovation agenda and long-term growth trajectory.

The Opportunity:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Technical Officer will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will be responsible for defining and executing the company's global technology vision.

Leading an international network of research and development centres across North America, Europe and Asia, the CTO will play a pivotal role in ensuring that innovation remains at the centre of the organisation's competitive advantage.

The role carries responsibility for:

• Global technology strategy and innovation leadership
• Research and development performance across multiple international regions
• Intellectual property strategy and portfolio oversight
• Technology acquisition assessment and integration
• Development of next-generation materials, products and processes
• Long-term technology roadmaps aligned to corporate growth objectives
• Executive-level engagement with customers, suppliers, industry partners and academic institutions
• Building and developing world-class technical talent globally

The Individual:

We are interested in speaking with proven technology and innovation leaders who have built distinguished careers within advanced materials, specialty chemicals, polymers, adhesives, sealants, composites, engineered materials or adjacent sectors.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Executive leadership experience within a technology-led manufacturing environment
• A track record of translating innovation into commercially successful products and technologies
• Experience leading complex international R\&D organisations
• Strong intellectual property and innovation management expertise
• The ability to operate effectively at Board, Executive, Customer and Technical levels
• Deep scientific credibility supported by an advanced technical education, ideally a PhD or equivalent

Most importantly, candidates will possess the strategic vision, leadership capability and technical credibility required to influence the future direction of a global organisation.

Location

The position is based in the United States, with a preference for candidates able to operate from the company's Michigan headquarters.

Comprehensive relocation assistance and visa sponsorship support are available where required.

This assignment is being conducted on a highly confidential basis. We welcome discussions with senior technology and innovation leaders who may wish to explore one of the most significant technical leadership opportunities currently available within the global advanced materials sector.