Director of Stakeholder Engagement

SCI (The Society of Chemical Industry) is a global innovation hub connecting industry and academia. Established in 1881 as a registered charity, SCI is based in London but has members in over 70 countries.

SCI’s primary charitable objective is to accelerate the commercialisation of science into industry for the benefit of society, and our community works together to develop scientific solutions to the most pressing global challenges of today, across Climate Change, Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing. The charity convenes communities to address these challenges, transfers knowledge across the member network and supports the next generation of scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs to achieve their potential as future leaders.

SCI is recruiting for the Director of Stakeholder Engagement, reporting to the CEO, with responsibility for the membership and innovation programmes. SCI has been growing over the last few years as the challenges of addressing sustainability, net zero and global health are becoming increasingly urgent and many companies and key stakeholders are looking to collaborate to develop solutions, build knowledge and skill their teams.

The role has responsibility for engaging and growing membership, including continuing to build the expanding corporate partner network, which comprises large global blue-chip companies as well as SMEs. Responsibilities also include management of a team to deliver the range of membership programmes including the awards programme, careers programmes and the evolving innovation programmes. The role sits on the Senior Management Team responsible for driving the strategy of the charity.

The role is diverse and presents an exciting opportunity for someone with experience of business development including growing income, who has worked in innovation or industry, and who is able to build strong relationships at a senior level to grow and collaborate with a community that is having a direct impact on society through advancing scientific innovation. Candidates will need to demonstrate a strong track record in growing income, building long-term, sustainable institutional relationships and in timely delivery of projects. Teamwork and effective management skills are required, as well as a confidence in speaking about science, therefore it is essential candidates have a STEM degree or a STEM background.

For an incumbent, the role provides a unique opportunity to build significant networks at senior levels across industry, academia, and government, as well as impact on emerging technologies by leading on developing and launching new programmes addressing the big challenges facing society today. The community is broad covering scientific innovation across energy, agrifood, materials, sustainability, life sciences and consumer products so an interest in emerging innovation and a keenness to engage with a diverse community is key.

The role could suit someone moving up in their career looking to broaden out their networks and experience, or someone with significant relevant experience looking to make an impact from their career experience in SCI. The role is office based (central London) and involves travel, both in the UK and abroad. SCI offers flexible working but with a minimum 3 days per week in the office.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. References will be required. Please note we are only able to take those with the required skills forward.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Society of Chemical Industry on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference UBOAB2. Alternatively email Belinda.Beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 7^th October.