Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.

A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT’s transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle’s cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.

EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

We are seeking a Chief Commercial Officer to shape and drive the commercial strategy for the programme. Reporting to the CEO, and acting as a pivotal member of the Pathogen Programme Leadership Team, this role will be responsible for ensuring successful commercial negotiations and delivering impact at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and lead the commercial strategy, aligned with the Programme’s broader aims.
2. Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to establish and refine commercial strategies, market positioning, and commercial objectives.
3. Identify and evaluate new revenue opportunities, market segments, and strategic positioning.
4. Lead commercial negotiations for acquisition, licensing and partnership agreements.
5. Represent EIT in high-level partnership and client discussions.
6. Build and lead the commercial and business partnerships teams.
7. Define and operationalise commercial processes.
8. Build processes for tracking execution and impact of commercial models through to implementation and beyond.
9. Ensure strategic and day-to-day alignment with Pathogena leadership team, and broader stakeholders across EIT.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Advanced degree in business, life sciences, or a related field.
2. Proven track record in commercial leadership roles in life sciences, medtech, or biotechnology.
3. Experience scaling commercial operations in startup or high-growth environments.
4. Demonstrated success in global partnerships and complex negotiations.
5. Visionary and strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
6. Ability to solve complex operational problems swiftly and make high-impact decisions under pressure.
7. Strong analytical skills to monitor performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and assess the effectiveness of operational strategies.
8. Proactive, with a strong ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
9. Resilient and agile in approach to workloads and ever changing demands or direction.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

1. Salary: Competitive, depending on experience + travel allowance + bonus
2. Enhanced holiday pay
3. Pension
4. Life Assurance
5. Income Protection
6. Private Medical Insurance
7. Hospital Cash Plan
8. Therapy Services
9. Perk Box
10. Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

1. You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
2. You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
3. There is likelihood that there will be occasional international travel.
4. During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.