Overview

Join Our Team as Head of Advanced Materials Technologies at Lucideon! We are seeking an inspiring Head of Advanced Materials Technologies to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of advanced ceramics and materials innovation at Lucideon. As a thought leader within our growing Advanced Materials capability, you will guide world-leading R&D and help build our National Centre of Excellence for Advanced Ceramics, working with global clients across multiple industries.

Who You Are

At your heart, you’re a true ceramics and materials expert, with deep and proven industrial experience in advanced ceramics and related technologies. Your background combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership skills, making you comfortable operating at the intersection of science, engineering, and business. You are a true people and thought leader: curious, visionary, and commercially astute, with the ability to engage clients at the highest level.

As well as being a ceramics expert, your specialist knowledge should include at least one of the following:

• Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
• Materials for harsh environments
• Ultra-high temperature ceramics
• Ceramic 3D printing
• Other advanced materials technologies

Job Purpose

As Head of Advanced Materials Technologies, you will lead high-calibre teams to deliver cutting-edge science and engineering projects for international clients. Working with our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, you will drive forward our technical agenda, influence the direction of key R&D initiatives, and support the growth of Lucideon’s reputation as a centre of excellence.

You will also take on a vital business leadership role, working as part of an agile management team with responsibility not just for technical delivery, but also for developing commercial opportunities and building long-term client relationships. This role is exceptionally varied, with no two days being the same. You will confidently lead technical conversations, be the key point of contact for our Advanced Materials scientific and commercial teams, as well as completing lab work on a variety of projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Act as a thought leader and key member of the Advanced Materials team, driving innovation, supporting the wider team and shaping our advanced materials strategy.
• Lead and inspire a team of scientists and engineers, fostering growth, development, curiosity and collaboration.
• Build strong commercial relationships with senior decision-makers, positioning Lucideon as their trusted partner.
• Develop and deliver major technical programmes for global clients including lab work.
• Represent Lucideon at high-profile conferences, seminars, and industry forums.
• Provide leadership within the management team, contributing to both business and technical strategy.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Significant industrial experience in a relevant science or engineering discipline, ideally supported by a second degree (Master’s or PhD).
• Deep technical expertise in advanced ceramics and at least one of: CMCs, UHTCs, materials for extreme environments, or ceramics additive manufacturing.
• Proven leadership skills – able to inspire, mentor, and manage highly skilled colleagues.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• A track record of engaging with senior technical and commercial stakeholders.
• A combination of strategic thinking and hands-on practical ability in materials science.
• Eligibility for security clearance (defence-related projects may be involved).

Core Features & Benefits

• Permanent position
• 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
• Onsite at our office in Stone, Staffordshire
• Private Medical Insurance
• Medical Cash Plan
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays (including Christmas shutdown)
• Pension scheme (matched up to 5%)
• Life Assurance up to four times basic salary
• Professional development
• Information centre including scientific / business library

Ready to Lead the Future of Advanced Materials?

This is your opportunity to make a real impact – to shape the future of materials innovation and establish Lucideon as a global leader in advanced ceramics. Apply now and take your place at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology.