Chief Executive Officer Full Time

Southampton, Hampshire
The National Oceanography Centre

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is the UK’s leading centre for oceanographic science and technology, with a long and proud history of making a world-class contribution to big ocean science and of raising public awareness of the ocean. Working collaboratively with national and international partners in academia, industry, government and other marine institutions, NOC’s multi-disciplinary research and large-scale scientific capabilities are world leading in addressing the most important issues facing the marine environment.

In recent years, NOC has become a standalone research institute, operating as one of the UK’s largest charities with an annual turnover in excess of £70m. It is now more agile and financially more resilient, with the flexibility to explore new opportunities and partnerships in support of its mission. 670 passionate staff work across NOC’s four sites: two which are co-located with leading UK universities in Southampton and Liverpool, and two state-of-the-art research ships, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook. As a national capability and the home of Europe’s largest fleet of autonomous and robotic vehicles, NOC also operates the National Marine Equipment Pool.

NOC is seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Executive Officer, to succeed Professor Ed Hill CBE, who will step down later in 2024. Having successfully achieved both independence from Government and UK registered charity status, NOC is now charting its course towards balancing commercial success and growth, alongside delivering real outcomes aligned to its fundamental purpose of developing the world’s understanding of the oceans.

The Chief Executive will be responsible for further developing and securing NOC’s profile and reputation as one of the top oceanographic institutions globally, delivering world-leading research outputs, services and other significant impacts. The successful candidate will be a highly effective leader who can rapidly earn the respect and trust of colleagues, as well as stakeholders across academia, government and industry. They will inherit a tremendous legacy of value delivered through ocean science, supported by a global reputation courtesy of the outstanding people who make up the organisation. NOC has a skilled, balanced and experienced Trustee Board and Executive Team, all of whom are excited by and dedicated to the journey ahead.

Applications are invited at your earliest convenience, and in any event by no later than close of business on Friday 12 January 2024.

We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential. NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

The National Oceanography Centre has engaged the services of Odgers Berndtson for this search. Please note if you click ‘Apply now’ on this page you will be re-directed to Odgers’ website to complete your application. Or you can click here to view more information on their website.