Stax Deeptech Talent has been exclusively retained by a highly innovative, well-funded deep-tech company poised to revolutionise the battery sector with its next-generation technology. We are seeking a proven, dynamic Vice President of Engineering & Operations to join the Leadership Team and spearhead the critical scale-up phase.

This is a pivotal, C-suite-adjacent role, responsible for transforming a core, breakthrough battery technology from lab-scale validation into robust pilot production and eventual commercial manufacturing. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the client’s technical and operational strategy, securing its readiness for high-volume market entry.

The Mandate: Driving Scale and Operational Excellence

This leader will combine deep technical mastery in battery development and manufacturing with an elite operational mindset. You will be tasked with leading all engineering functions, overseeing critical cell development, accelerating process scale-up, and establishing the foundational, world-class operational systems necessary to deliver this next-generation battery product.

Key Areas of Accountability:

Technical & Industrialisation Leadership:

• Define and execute the comprehensive engineering and operational roadmap, effectively bridging R&D breakthroughs with manufacturable, scalable processes.
• Lead the entire process of development, optimisation, and industrialisation of the core lithium-sulfur battery technology.
• Provide expert technical direction across cell design, advanced materials processing, manufacturing methodologies, and overall product engineering.

Team Build-Out & Organisational Strategy:

• Recruit, build, and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering and operations organisation covering process development, production, quality assurance, and supply chain.
• Instill a culture defined by technical rigor, continuous improvement, and cross-functional excellence.
• Mentor key technical leaders and ensure all operational efforts are tightly aligned with strategic commercial milestones.

Operational Scale-Up & Infrastructure:

• Establish initial pilot production capabilities and foundational operational infrastructure, collaborating intensely with R&D and strategic external partners.
• Develop and implement best-in-class manufacturing, quality management, and safety systems appropriate for a high-growth deep-tech organisation.
• Manage strategic supplier and vendor relationships, contributing expertise to key decisions regarding vertical integration and outsourcing models.

• Strategic Leadership & External Representation:
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board to define long-term company strategy and strategic priorities.
• Represent the organisation in high-value strategic partnerships with customers, key suppliers, and external research collaborators.
• Act as a core member of the leadership team, supporting critical fundraising activities, investor engagement, and high-stakes communications.

Candidate Profile: What We're Searching For

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a distinguished career in advanced technology scale-up.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Significant executive leadership experience within the battery technology, advanced materials, or complex high-tech manufacturing industries.
• Deep, demonstrable technical fluency in battery technologies and electrochemical systems.
• Proven track record of successfully taking complex battery or advanced materials technologies from the laboratory research stage through to industrial pilot production and commercial scale.
• Strong foundational background in engineering or high-volume manufacturing disciplines.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and operational strategies to diverse audiences, including investors, commercial partners, and customers.