An advanced optical technology company based in Oxfordshire is seeking a Chief Commercial Officer to join its executive team in a newly created role at a pivotal stage of growth. Operating at the forefront of deep-tech innovation, the company works with some of the world’s most influential consumer technology organisations to commercialise highly differentiated optical capabilities.
This opportunity will suit a technologically fluent, senior commercial leader with a strong track record in complex licensing agreements, intellectual property monetisation, and strategic partnerships. As the company’s commercial authority, the CCO will build and lead a high-impact commercial function, shaping long-term licensing strategy and representing the business with credibility and confidence at the most senior levels. The role offers the chance to help bring genuinely transformative technology to market, while working within a highly collaborative and exceptional organisation.
About the Company
This company’s expertise sits at the intersection of ophthalmics and optics. They develop novel ophthalmic solutions for use across optical systems, AR/VR/XR, and machine vision applications. Recognised as trusted experts in adaptive lens technology, they partner with leading global consumer electronics and technology companies to develop new solutions that optimise how we see the world.
The company has developed a novel adaptive lens system that has the potential to transform visual performance in modern AR/VR/XR technologies. This breakthrough has generated significant interest across the consumer technology sector. As a result, the company is now entering the next phase of its R&D programme, scaling its technical capabilities and seeking talented engineers to join the team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing technology company, contribute to cutting-edge R&D, and play a key role in the development of a new technology with global impact. Above all, it is an outstanding place to work, combining innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
The Role
The Chief Commercial Officer is responsible for defining and executing the company’s commercial strategy, with a particular focus on licensing agreements, intellectual property monetisation, and strategic partnerships. The role ensures that licensing structures drive sustainable revenue growth, protect IP assets, and align with the company’s long-term strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Licensing & IP Commercialisation
* Lead and manage the team of relationship managers serving large strategic clients, taking overall responsibility for client engagement, satisfaction, and new contracts.
* Lead the development, negotiation, and execution of licensing agreements, including inbound, outbound, exclusive, non-exclusive, and cross-licensing arrangements.
* Own the commercial strategy, including the commercial aspects of intellectual property, ensuring optimal value extraction while managing risk.
* Partner with Legal and IP teams to structure licensing deals that balance commercial upside, compliance, and enforceability.
* Establish and maintain licensing frameworks, templates, and approval processes to ensure consistency and scalability.
* Oversee royalty models, milestone structures, revenue recognition, and audit rights within licensing agreements.
Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth
* Define and execute the overall commercial and go-to-market strategy, with licensing as a core revenue pillar.
* Take responsibility for all valuation processes, for the company and its assets.
* Identify new licensing opportunities across markets, territories, and industry verticals.
* Develop long-term revenue forecasts tied to licensing pipelines and partnership portfolios.
* Monitor market trends, competitive licensing models, and emerging IP monetisation strategies.
* Report on competitor activities and potential risks and disruption to the prevailing strategy, client engagements and forecast revenues.
Strategic Partnerships & Alliances
* Build and manage strategic relationships with licensees, licensors, distributors, and ecosystem partners.
* Evaluate partnership opportunities including co-development, joint ventures, and technology transfer agreements.
* Act as the senior commercial escalation point for complex negotiations and renewals.
Leadership & Governance
* Lead and develop commercial, licensing, and business development teams.
* Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate reporting of licensing revenues and obligations.
* Support the Board and Executive Team with insights on deal performance, portfolio risk, and growth opportunities.
* Ensure adherence to internal governance, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements related to licensing.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
* Proven senior commercial leadership experience, ideally in licensing-driven or IP-rich industries (e.g. technology, life sciences, engineering, software).
* Deep expertise in structuring and negotiating complex licensing agreements. Scaling and sustaining both manufacturing and license revenues from license agreements.
* Outstanding communication – able to translate clinical and technical propositions to a wide audience: technical, product, retail, commercial and supply chain leadership.
* Strong understanding of intellectual property fundamentals (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets).
* Track record of delivering revenue growth through licensing and strategic partnerships.
* Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Desirable
* Experience with international and multi-territory licensing arrangements.
* Exposure to light medical or regulatory environments.
* Technical, consumer electronic or engineering background
* Managing investment or M&A processes, both on the seller and buyer side.
* Board-level reporting and investor-facing experience.
Personal Attributes
* Commercially astute, intelligent and articulate, with a strong strategic mindset.
* Confident decision-maker comfortable with complexity and ambiguity.
* Collaborative leader who works effectively across Legal, Finance, R&D, and Product teams.
* High integrity with a balanced approach to risk and reward.
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