Non-Executive Chair

Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies, with a vision for a thriving industry delivering life-changing advanced therapies to the world. CGT Catapult is part of a network of Catapults, established by and working in partnership with Innovate UK. The Catapults play a key role in accelerating innovation and growth for UK businesses on the national and global stage. They support innovators and businesses to transform and scale great ideas into valuable solutions, products and services, providing a unique combination of expertise and facilities at every stage of a business’ journey.

Applying our unique capabilities and assets, we collaborate with academia, industry, and healthcare providers to develop new technology and drive innovation. We help companies, researchers and innovators accelerate their cell and gene therapy to market throughout development, manufacturing and clinical adoption.

CGT Catapult is recognised globally as a leader in its field. We have developed a unique range of assets including state of the art development facilities in central London and Edinburgh, and flexible manufacturing innovation centres in Stevenage and Braintree. Our team is made up of over 300 experts [AD4] spanning all aspects of advanced therapies, including scale up, digitisation and automation, manufacturing and analytical technologies, clinical trials, regulation, and health economics and market access. As an organisation, we are executing multiple projects with academia and industry to grow a thriving advanced therapy industry.

The current Chair has completed their term and is looking to move on to other challenges. We are looking for a new Chair who is an enthusiastic supporter of the Catapult model, who will lead this highly visible and fast paced organisation, building on the success so far and ensuring it meets the future needs of the industry. Most importantly, it is a chance to lead the delivery of innovative new therapies to patients, transforming people’s lives.

https://ct.catapult.org.uk/

Purpose of the Role

The new Chair will be a champion for the CGT Catapult, building support from both government and industry, promoting UK capabilities in advanced therapies and sourcing new business for the Catapult.

As leader of the Board the role will also provide strategic leadership to the CGT Catapult and will challenge and support both the Chief Executiveand executive team whilst scrutinising the CGT Catapult’s performance and progress against its strategy and targets. The role will also develop and maintain key relationships within industry, government, academia and other key stakeholders.

We are open to considering candidates from a range of sectors, though experience in small and medium business; the life sciences and biotech industry; and a track record in innovation or entrepreneurialism are of particular interest.

Key Responsibilities

Support the development of the right culture in the CGT Catapult and motivate the wider CGT Catapult team.
Oversee, with the Board, the performance of the CGT Catapult and its Executive through the review of strategy, business plans, financial reports and progress in meeting KPI targets
Chair approximately six Board meetings per year.
Participate in Board sub-committees as necessary.
Maintain relationships with Chairs of the other Catapults, and with the Governing Board of Innovate UK.
Work closely with the Chief Executive to build and maintain relationships with relevant organisations across the UK and overseas.
Provide entrepreneurial leadership of the CGT Catapult within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed.
Set the CGT Catapult’s strategic aims, whilst ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Company to meet its objectives.
Support the CGT Catapult’s management board in setting the expectations of the Company’s stakeholders (including its deliverables to Innovate UK (“the IUK”) and promoting the CGT Catapult’s success.
Through the CGT Catapult’s audit committee, satisfy itself on the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible.
Through the CGT Catapult’s nomination and remuneration committee, the CGT Catapult will be responsible for determining the appropriate levels of remuneration of key management of the CGT Catapult and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary, removing these.
Promote the highest standards of corporate governance throughout the CGT Catapult and particularly at Board level.
Facilitate the effective contribution of non-executive directors and ensure constructive relations exist between the Management Board and non-executive directors
Ensure that the performance of the Board, its committees and individual directors is evaluated at least once a year and that the development needs of individual directors and the Supervisory Board as a whole are identified and met.
Ensure with fellow NEDs to ensure that the CGT Catapult is meeting the core objectives of its Strategic Plan and that these objectives are in line with the CGT Catapult’s vision and values.
Maintain an awareness of local and national policy and how it impacts on the CGT Catapult’s work.
Act as an ambassador for the CGT Catapult, championing its interests locally, nationally and internationally, representing the organisation effectively to external stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

The successful candidate is likely to be a well-networked and highly respected individual, with good experience at board level, and with a background in industries related to the work of the CGT Catapult. In addition, the Chair should have:

An excellent understanding of and strong support for the CGT Catapult and its values.
Appreciation of the CGT Catapult model of economic intervention
Experience of the global biotechnology and life sciences industry, preferably cell and gene and an understanding of the development of products from research to adoption.
Understanding of cell and gene therapy science
Evidence of significant personal achievements in driving and delivering change and improvements in a fast-moving, innovative environment,
The energy and time to commit to the CGT Catapult.

The following are also desirable:

CGT Catapult role relevant experience

Enterprise, Growth or Venture based experience
A track record of successful leadership and developing strategy
An international perspective
Understanding of data, digital and automation and its application to development, manufacturing and healthcare
An understanding of operating in cGMP or other regulated manufacturing environment.
Preferably have a network of contacts across both industry, academia, research and government

General Experience

Non-Executive and ideally chairing experience, with good judgement and the ability to manage a Board and run Board meetings
Proven understanding and experience of strategic and financial planning within an innovative organisation.
Undisputed personal integrity and a personal style that demonstrates authority, commitment and consistency.
Strong commitment to modern leadership values such as diversity and inclusion.
Have an understanding and preferably experience of interacting with Government.
Have good interpersonal skills, a persuasive communicator, able to both challenge and act as a sounding board and comfortable communicating with a diverse stakeholder.

CGT Catapult is also looking to use this recruitment opportunity to broaden the diversity of its Board across some under-represented groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) minorities, and those with disabilities. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role.

Terms of Appointment

Conflicts of interest: It is accepted and acknowledged that candidates may have business interests other than those of the CGT Catapult and we require that conflicts that are apparent are to be declared upon application. Throughout the process, if you become aware of any further potential or actual conflicts of interest, these should also be disclosed, before any appointment can be confirmed.
References: Ahead of any appointment, two written references will be considered by the panel.
Liability: CGT Catapult has Directors and Officers insurance in place which covers personal civil liability to third parties, which is incurred in the proper execution of your functions provided you have acted in compliance with your duties, honestly, reasonably and in good faith without negligence.
Remuneration: Chair of the Board of Non-Executive Directors: £40,000 per annum
Time Commitment: Minimum of 18 days per year
Term Length: Each term is for a period of three years. Non-Executive Directors can serve for a maximum of two terms, with an additional third term if proposed and agreed by the Board.

How to Apply

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Sunday 18 May 2025

Panel interviews will take place during w/c 16 June 2025

Prior to commencement an induction date will be set up to include lunch with the current NED’s and meetings with the Chief Executive and individual CxO’s.

Shadow attendance at the July 2025 Board meeting will also be required

If candidates have any availability concerns during June and July 2025, we ask that this is flagged at point of application.