Location: UK preferred, other geographies considered
Time Commitment: Capacity to contribute actively for a minimum of four days per month
Remuneration: Competitive package comprising fees and equity (to be agreed)
About CellMine
CellMine has developed a novel platform to produce battery-grade cathode materials, initially focussing on recycled feedstocks that will enable the localisation of critical mineral supply chains. By eliminating sodium sulphate waste, our technology simplifies battery recycling, reduces operating costs and removes one of the industry’s key barriers to scaling.
Having demonstrated the technology and built strong commercial momentum, CellMine is now completing its Seed round.
This marks the transition from technology development to commercial execution. We are now seeking our first Chair to help shape the company, not simply oversee it.
The Opportunity
The next two years will define CellMine’s future.
Our priorities are to:
- Convert commercial engagement into long-term licensing, offtake and strategic partnership agreements
- Prepare the business for scaled demonstration
- Build the organisation and governance required for growth
- Position the business for future investment and commercial expansion
This is a hands-on role working closely with the executive team, providing strategic guidance, constructive challenge and practical support as CellMine progresses from technology validation towards commercial deployment and long-term growth.
We are looking for someone who has successfully helped businesses through this stage before and who enjoys helping founders build ambitious industrial technology companies.
Key Responsibilities
Working closely with the executive team, the Chair will:
- Lead the Board and establish governance appropriate for a growing venture-backed business
- Act as a trusted adviser, coach and mentor to the founders and executive team
- Support the development and execution of CellMine’s commercial strategy to secure strategic partnerships, licensing agreements and commercial opportunities
- Support organisational development, including the recruitment and development of the leadership team
- Help prepare the company for future fundraising and engage with existing and prospective investors
- Provide independent challenge while supporting timely and effective decision making
Success in this role will be measured by the strength of CellMine’s organisational capability, commercial partnerships and readiness for its next stage of growth.
Person Specification
Essential
- Senior executive and/or Board-level leadership experience within industrial technology, advanced manufacturing, chemicals, battery materials or a related sector
- Experience scaling innovative industrial technology or manufacturing businesses from development into commercial growth
- A strong track record of developing strategic partnerships and long-term commercial relationships
- Experience working with founder-led businesses, providing both support and constructive challenge
- Strong commercial judgement and strategic thinking
- Credibility with investors, Boards and senior industry stakeholders
- Capacity to contribute actively for approximately one day per week
Desirable
- Experience commercialising deep technology or industrial innovation
- Experience supporting businesses through Seed investment and into Series A fundraising
- Experience with technology licensing, joint ventures or strategic commercial agreements
- Familiarity with intellectual property strategy and technology commercialisation
- Knowledge of battery materials, recycling, critical minerals or adjacent industries
- Previous Chair or Non-Executive Director experience
Why CellMine?
CellMine has reached an exciting stage in its journey. The technology has been validated, commercial engagement is progressing and the focus is now on execution, scaling and building an enduring business.
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in building one of the UK’s next industrial technology success stories, working alongside an experienced executive team to help shape the company’s strategy, governance and commercial success.
To express an interest, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Simon Rathbone, CEO – simon.rathbone@cellmine.co.uk
Planned Timeline
End Sep – Initial calls complete and candidate shortlist agreed
Mid Oct – Interviews complete
End Oct – Target completion of referencing and appointment