Chief Executive Officer
Exeter Science Park
Salary: £110,000 – £120,000 + benefits
Location: Exeter, Devon
A rare and exceptional leadership opportunity in the South West.
Exeter Science Park is the heart of innovation in the region, a thriving hub for science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine (STEMM) enterprises. Home to over 45 pioneering companies employing more than 750 people, the Park is now embarking on the most ambitious phase of its journey yet.
Following the announced retirement of the current CEO, Exeter Science Park is preparing for the next exciting stage of its evolution. During the tenure of the current CEO, the Park has grown fivefold and now contributes around £50 million gross value add each year to the regional economy. With ambitious plans to secure up to £200 million in investment and to complete development by the late 2030s, the Park is poised to host around 3,500 high‑value jobs and companies with a combined turnover of £350 million.
As it looks to the future, Exeter Science Park is seeking an exceptional CEO to lead the organisation into its next decade of growth and transformation. This is a rare and prestigious role and one that combines commercial leadership with purpose‑driven innovation and a lasting impact on the South West’s economic future.
The incoming CEO will:
* Shape and deliver Exeter Science Park’s long‑term strategy to accelerate innovation‑led growth.
* Lead a skilled and committed team with a culture built on collaboration, integrity and creativity.
* Strengthen relationships across academia, business and government.
* Drive investment and development across the 70‑acre, state‑of‑the‑art campus.
* Champion sustainability and position Exeter Science Park as a UK exemplar of net‑zero innovation.
This is a unique opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the South West’s economic and scientific future.
About You
You will be a strategic and commercially astute leader, able to inspire confidence and collaboration across a diverse range of stakeholders. You will bring the energy, ambition, and vision to take Exeter Science Park to new heights – and the relationship‑building skills to unite partners and stakeholders around shared goals.
Experience at Board level or equivalent is essential, ideally gained within a STEMM, innovation, or knowledge‑based environment.
Why Join Exeter Science Park
* A truly unique leadership opportunity in the South West region.
* A dynamic, collaborative, and forward‑thinking environment.
* Attractive remuneration and benefits package, including 28 days’ annual leave, 8% employer pension, and annual bonus potential.
* An opportunity to make a lasting contribution to one of the UK’s most exciting science and innovation ecosystems.
How to Apply
Cathedral Appointments, led by Jo Caine, are proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for Exeter Science Park in the appointment of their next Chief Executive Officer.
To find out more about this exceptional opportunity and the recruitment process, please download the full Candidate Pack, which includes full details on the role and how to apply.
Closing date: 12 noon, Monday 3rd November.
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