Chief Technology Officer (materials science & materials innovation)
Oryx Executive Search is partnering with Kelpi, a Bristol‑based sustainable‑materials company pioneering a patented seaweed‑ and plant‑oil‑based coating designed to replace fossil‑fuel plastics. Kelpi’s technology delivers the moisture‑barrier performance global brands depend on, while remaining fully biobased, recyclable and naturally biodegradable.
The business is now transitioning from R&D into early commercialisation and is working closely with several global FMCG brands on paid development programmes across food, drink, cosmetics and toiletries packaging. With commercial launches scheduled from early Q2 2026, regulatory approvals progressing and headcount expected to double by 2028, Kelpi is entering a major growth phase.
The Role
Kelpi is seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Chief Technology Officer to lead its technology strategy during this pivotal scale‑up period. The CTO will drive the development, validation and industrialisation of Kelpi’s biomaterial technologies, shape the roadmap for next‑generation materials and embed AI‑enabled approaches across the innovation pipeline.
The role includes leading multidisciplinary technical teams, managing technical risk, delivering paid R&D programmes for major global FMCG organisations, and working closely with the CEO and leadership team on strategy, growth and fundraising.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the long‑term technology and product roadmap
* Lead development of core coatings and new materials
* Apply AI to optimise existing materials and accelerate discovery of new ones
* Identify emerging technologies to strengthen Kelpi’s competitive advantage
* Develop and deliver solutions for some of the world’s largest packaging providers
* Create, pitch and deliver paid R&D for global FMCG brands
Technical & Team Leadership
* Oversee technical development activities through to commercial deployment
* Manage technical risk to commercialisation
* Lead, mentor and develop a team of world‑class technical experts
* Foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and accountability
Cross‑Functional Partnership
* Work closely with the CEO and wider leadership team
* Partner with commercial and operations teams to support complex client programmes
* Contribute to investor discussions and technical due diligence
Candidate Profile
* Senior‑level technical leadership (CTO, Head of R&D or equivalent)
* Strong background in materials science, biomaterials or chemical engineering
* Proven track record taking materials/technologies from concept to scale
* Experience applying AI in materials development
* Hands‑on experience in start‑up or scale‑up environments
* Demonstrated ability to build and lead high‑performing teams
* Experience in sustainability, climate‑tech, circular economy or relevant industries
* Exposure to fundraising, investor engagement or technical due diligence
Personal Attributes
Curious, mission‑driven, pragmatic and collaborative, with high integrity and a strong sense of ownership.
Why Join Kelpi?
This role offers the opportunity to shape a technology platform with genuine global potential and contribute meaningfully to reducing reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based plastics. The incoming CTO will join at a moment of strong momentum, with early commercial launches imminent and deep engagement from international consumer‑goods brands and global packaging companies
Kelpi also offers a compelling long‑term value opportunity through its Employee Share Ownership Programme.
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