Chief Executive Officer
This is a Permanent, vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The role
Engineer a Better Future.
At a time of rapid technological, social and environmental change, the Royal Academy of Engineering is seeking a visionary, values-driven Chief Executive to lead one of the UK’s most influential institutions.
As the UK’s national academy for engineering and technology, we bring together the most accomplished engineers, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs to deliver public benefit and solve the toughest challenges facing society – from sustainability and digital disruption to skills and global equity.
Our new CEO will lead a talented and passionate team in delivering Strategy 2030: Engineering Better Lives – a bold vision to drive a sustainable and innovative economy, harness technology to improve lives, and build a more inclusive and future-ready engineering profession. With our 50th anniversary on the horizon, this is a defining moment for the Academy and for engineering leadership in the UK.
We are looking for a leader who can:
- Inspire a high-performing, inclusive and purpose-led culture
- Build trusted relationships across government, industry, academia and civil society
- Represent the voice of engineering on the national and international stage
- Shape strategic priorities and deliver measurable impact at scale
- Champion equity, diversity, innovation and excellence
You will bring:
- Proven senior leadership in complex, high-profile organisations
- Experience shaping strategic direction and engaging diverse stakeholders
- Deep interest in the power of engineering, technology and innovation to serve society
- Exceptional communication, diplomacy and representational skills
- A personal commitment to inclusion, learning and global impact
Engineering background or policy experience is welcome but not essential. More important is your ability to connect ideas, communities and action to help create a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.
Why join us?
You will lead a globally respected Academy with a strong foundation, bold ambitions, and an extraordinary Fellowship. Together, we will champion engineering that improves lives – in the UK and around the world.
The Royal Academy of Engineering has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please visit: www.rraresponses.com.
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 20th July 2025.
First round of panel interviews: w/c 25th August 25.
Final round of panel interviews: w/c 22nd & 29th September 25.
Interview location: London.
Our location
Our light, spacious head office is based in a fantastic location in central London with views over St James’s Park and close to the West End. We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with a baseline for office based working of a mandatory weekly team day plus further days each week as required for the role and the Academy.
Who are we?
Engineering matters. It shapes our everyday lives, from our ability to turn the lights on, have a hot shower and commute into work, to the mobile phones we rely on to keep connected. It also plays a vital role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing society today, from climate change, to global health pandemics and cyber threats.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is a charity that harnesses the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone. In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation, and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public. Together we’re working to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.
Why work for us?
We’re looking for people who are driven to make the world a better place. If you’re passionate about what you do and want to work collaboratively with talented colleagues to make change happen now and for future generations, we want you to get in touch.
This is the perfect time to join us. We have a dynamic, visionary CEO, a strong leadership team and an ambitious and exciting strategy. The value we bring as experts in our field and change agents is highly recognised and makes the Academy a motivating place to be. Our work today builds on a long, proud history with a focused and ambitious future which we’d love you to be part of.
We are looking for talented people who want to make a difference, to join our team – is this you?
The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder applicants from applying or staff from working effectively and comfortably.
With a diverse workforce and an inclusive and supportive culture, we look to attract candidates from wide and different backgrounds who have a passion for the role engineering plays in society. Our aim is to make the Academy the best place to work for the staff we have and those we seek to attract.
The Royal Academy of Engineering is proud to be an ‘A’ Rated Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence holder, as approved by the UK Immigration Authorities.
The Academy may consider sponsorship for roles that are eligible, as defined by the Home Office. In accordance with Home Office criteria, sponsorship may only be considered where there is a suitable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, the minimum salary threshold is met, and all other relevant Points Based System requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship are fulfilled. Please note that this does not guarantee that the Academy will sponsor a candidate.
A Certificate of Sponsorship may be assigned, and a Skilled Worker visa application will only be made once an applicant has been successfully and conditionally offered a role. All offers of employment requiring sponsorship under the Academy’s Sponsor Licence are subject to the individual obtaining the legal right to work in the United Kingdom for the Academy in the specific role.
Employment will not be confirmed until the Skilled Worker visa application has been formally approved and communicated by the Home Office. Additionally, a potential offer of employment may be made to candidates who already hold a visa permitting work for the Academy in a specific role. As with Skilled Worker sponsorship, such employment may be time-limited depending on the nature of the visa.
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