Chief Research Officer | Executive Team | Competitive package / car / bonus | Permanent | Hybrid

This is a rare opportunity for a recognised technical leader to shape the future research and technology agenda of an organisation that sits at the unique intersection of automotive, insurance, repair and future mobility.

As Chief Research Officer, you will join Thatcham Research's Executive Team and act as our senior technical ambassador, industry thought leader and trusted authority on emerging vehicle technologies, safety, risk and mobility innovation.

Working with some of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, insurers, regulators, research institutions and industry bodies, you will help influence the future direction of the automotive and mobility sectors while ensuring Thatcham Research remains at the forefront of technological change.

This is a role for an individual who wants to make a lasting impact, not only on an organisation, but across an entire industry.

About the role

As our Chief Research Officer, you will provide strategic leadership on emerging vehicle technologies, future mobility and technical innovation.

You will act as the external face of Thatcham Research's technical and research agenda, building influential partnerships and representing the organisation at national and international forums, conferences and industry bodies. Working closely with our market-facing leaders, you will bring external insight into the business, helping shape future strategy, products, services and research priorities.

Alongside your technical leadership responsibilities, you will play a key role as a member of the Executive Team, contributing strategic insight, commercial judgement and constructive challenge across the wider organisation.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading Thatcham Research's strategic thinking on emerging vehicle technologies, future mobility and technical innovation.

• Acting as a senior ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation across industry, government, academia and international bodies.

• Building and maintaining influential relationships with OEMs, insurers, regulators, standards organisations, research institutions and strategic partners.

• Identifying emerging trends, opportunities and risks, translating external developments into actionable business insights.

• Shaping the organisation's long-term technical and research strategy.

• Leading research programmes that influence industry standards, risk assessment methodologies and future products and services.

• Supporting the development of commercial propositions through the application of technical expertise and market insight.

• Working closely with Marketing & Communications to promote Thatcham Research's thought leadership and research agenda.

• Contributing as a member of the Executive Team, helping to shape organisational strategy, culture and future growth.

About you

We're looking for a highly respected technical leader with the credibility, vision and influence to engage senior stakeholders across industry and government while shaping the future direction of our organisation.

You'll bring:

• Deep expertise in vehicle technology, automotive engineering, future mobility and emerging industry developments.

• Significant senior leadership experience within automotive, mobility, engineering, research or a closely related sector.

• A strong understanding of the automotive, insurance and wider mobility ecosystem.

• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, influencing and communication skills.

• Experience building strategic partnerships with senior industry, regulatory, academic or international stakeholders.

• A track record of acting as a recognised technical authority, spokesperson or industry representative.

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into strategic business opportunities.

• Experience contributing to Executive Team or Board-level discussions and decision making.

• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence through expertise, credibility and relationships.

Ready to influence the future?

If you are a recognised technical leader looking for a role where your expertise can shape the future of vehicle technology, safety and mobility, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join Thatcham Research?

Thatcham Research has been at the forefront of vehicle safety, risk and innovation for decades. We work with vehicle manufacturers, insurers, repairers, regulators and policymakers to make vehicles safer, more sustainable and easier to repair.

This role offers a unique platform to influence the future of mobility, vehicle technology and automotive risk on a national and international stage.

As a member of our Executive Team, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of a respected and independent organisation, working alongside industry leaders and experts to solve some of the most important challenges facing transport and mobility today.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

• Annual bonus

• Car allowance or company car

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Private Health Insurance for you and your immediate family

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking with EV charging

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you experience any technical issues when completing your application, please get in touch at people.team@thatcham.org and we’ll be happy to help.

To ensure fairness and protect your data, we’re unable to accept applications or CVs via email. The best way to apply and to stay updated on your progress, is through our online application form.