Non‑Executive Director & Chair of the Audit Committee – Advanced Propulsion Centre UK & Zenzic
Oryx Executive Search are delighted to be supporting the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC ) & Zenzic in the appointment of a Non-Executive Director.
APC & Zenzic are two of the UK’s most strategically important industrial and innovation assets, supporting national competitiveness and accelerating the transition to zero‑emission vehicles and advancing connected automated mobility. Working in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, APC & Zenzic direct substantial public and private investment into research and development, next-generation supply chains, and the advancement of technologies critical to the UK’s net‑zero and industrial ambitions.
With APC & Zenzic advancing their missions through the landmark DRIVE35 and CAM Pathfinder programmes — a £4 billion commitment to accelerate the UK automotive sector and £150 million in grant funding to strengthen the UK CAM ecosystem — both organisations are entering a pivotal phase.
As the organisation continues to expand its reach and strategic importance, APC & Zenzic seek to appoint a new Non‑Executive Director who will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee. This is a pivotal governance role, supporting the Board, CEO, and Finance Director in ensuring rigorous financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and robust assurance frameworks across the organisation.
The Role
The post‑holder will lead the Audit Committee in overseeing financial governance, risk management, internal controls, and assurance processes, ensuring the organisation remains resilient, compliant, and positioned to deliver maximum impact. As a Non‑Executive Director, the individual will also provide independent challenge, strategic insight, and constructive support to the Board and Executive team, contributing to APC & Zenzic’s mission at a moment of significant technological and industrial transformation.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee financial accountability, audit activity, internal controls, and risk‑management frameworks.
* Review financial statements and audit outcomes, ensuring clear follow‑up and strong management response.
* Provide assurance that resources are used responsibly, assets protected, and risks appropriately mitigated.
* Offer independent challenge to strategy, performance, and organisational decision‑making.
* Support the Chair and CEO in shaping strategic priorities and monitoring delivery.
* Maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including government bodies and industry partners.
* Promote APC & Zenzic’s reputation and influence through effective governance, engagement, and advocacy.
Required Experience
* Professional accounting qualification, e.g., ACA, ACCA, FCA, or equivalent senior financial leadership experience.
* Board-level expertise in audit, risk, assurance, or financial governance.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience leading transformation or organisational change.
* Ability to hold executive teams to account while supporting high performance.
* Sophisticated stakeholder‑management skills across government, industry, and investment communities.
* Deep understanding of the automotive and mobility sectors and their strategic, global context.
The Ideal Person
The ideal candidate will have previously served as a CFO or Finance Director within a UK automotive OEM, Tier 1 supplier, or a major consultancy working with the sectors. They may bring prior NED experience or be seeking their first non-executive appointment. Additional strengths in commercial finance, coupled with networks spanning private equity or venture capital, would be highly advantageous and further enhance APC & Zenzic’s support for the businesses within its portfolio.
They will bring financial rigour, strategic insight, and a collaborative style — offering challenge where needed but always contributing constructively to APC & Zenzic’s mission and long‑term success.
Terms
* Remuneration: Information available on request.
* Time commitment: Minimum of 15 days per year, including Board and Committee duties.
* Location: APC Head Office at Warwick University, plus occasional UK travel and remote working.
* Start date: 1 April 2026 with opportunity to shadow the outgoing NED/Audit Chair beforehand.
* Term: Up to three years, renewable for a further three years.
Apply via the link below or to find out more, please contact Nic Davis at Oryx Executive Search on 0117 983 7800 or n.davis@oryxes.co.uk
Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on Sunday 15th February 2026.