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Featured Talent

Exceptional professionals available now

The most sought-after technical professionals in advanced materials markets are rarely found on job boards. They move through trusted networks — and that’s exactly where I operate.

Below is a selection of candidates I’m currently representing. All profiles are anonymised to protect confidentiality. If any of these individuals look relevant to your business, get in touch and I’ll be happy to discuss further.

Candidates Represented

Candidate Profile — TST-001

  • Sector Advanced Composites / Aerospace
  • Current level Senior Manager
  • LocationUK — Midlands, open to relocation
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£65,000–£75,000 + package

Background summary

Over 12 years in advanced composites manufacturing, specialising in aerospace-grade carbon fibre layup and process optimisation. Previously led production teams for Tier-1 aerospace suppliers, driving OEE improvements and reducing material waste. Extensive experience with AS9100 and Nadcap accreditation.

What they're looking for

A senior technical leadership role within composites or advanced materials, ideally in aerospace or defence, with a focus on continuous improvement and NPI.
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt · process optimisation in autoclave & OOA cure
  • Led cross-functional teams of 30+ engineers & technicians
  • Deep knowledge of epoxy resins, thermoplastic composites, and NDT methods
  • MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering (Distinction)

Candidate Profile — TST-002

  • SectorCleanTech & Energy / Advanced Manufacturing
  • Current level Head of Function
  • LocationNorth West England, flexible on location
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£80,000–£90,000 + car allowance

Background summary

Senior R&D leader with 15 years in clean energy materials, including fuel cell components and battery separators. Built and scaled a technical team from 5 to 35 engineers, launching two platforms into commercial production. Strong track record in grant-funded innovation and collaborative projects with OEMs.

What they're looking for

Head of Engineering or Technical Director role within CleanTech, energy storage or advanced materials scale-up, combining technical strategy and team leadership.
  • Patent holder: novel composite membrane structure for electrolysers
  • Commercialisation experience: lab to high-volume manufacturing
  • Expert in materials characterisation (SEM, DSC, TGA)
  • PhD in Polymer Chemistry · MBA (Technology Management)

Candidate Profile — TST-003

  • Sector Technical Textiles / Engineered Fabrics
  • Current level Manager / Senior Engineer
  • LocationYorkshire, open to relocation
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£55,000–£65,000 + benefits

Background summary

Process and product development engineer specialising in high-performance woven fabrics for ballistic protection and industrial filtration. 9 years’ experience in weaving, coating and finishing, with a focus on aramid, glass and basalt fibres. Led six sigma projects reducing defect rates by 24%.

What they're looking for

Technical Manager or Product Development role in technical textiles, ideally within composites reinforcement or protective fabrics, with clear progression path.
  • Certified Weaving Technologist (CWT) · Advanced textiles design
  • Hands-on with rapier, airjet looms and finishing lines
  • Experience with flame retardant and anti-static finishes
  • BEng Textile Technology · Chartered status (CText ATI)

Candidate Profile — TST-004

  • SectorAutomotive / Advanced Composites
  • Current level Director / Programme Lead
  • LocationWest Midlands, open to discussion
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£95,000–£110,000 + executive package

Background summary

Automotive lightweighting specialist with 18 years’ experience delivering multi-million pound composite programmes for EV platforms. Led strategic sourcing and engineering partnerships across Europe and Asia, reducing vehicle mass by 25% via carbon-SMC and hybrid solutions. Proven P&L responsibility and NPI launches.

What they're looking for

Director-level role in automotive, aerospace or advanced manufacturing, focusing on lightweight materials strategy, business development or technical programme leadership.
  • Expert in high-volume composite processes (HP-RTM, wet compression moulding)
  • Strong commercial acumen: supplier negotiation & technology roadmap
  • Cross-sector knowledge: automotive, motorsport, future mobility
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) · MBA (Warwick Business School)

Candidate Profile — TST-005

  • Sector Aerospace & Defence / Advanced Materials
  • Current level Senior professional / Technical Lead
  • LocationBristol / South West, open to relocation
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£60,000–£70,000 + healthcare

Background summary

Materials engineer with 10 years in metallic and composite material selection for aircraft structures. Extensive work on certification, fatigue and damage tolerance. Contributed to next-gen wing development programmes, collaborating with cross-functional teams and airframe manufacturers.

What they're looking for

Senior Materials & Process Engineer or Technical Specialist role within aerospace or advanced engineering, ideally involving emerging materials and sustainment projects.
  • Specialism: composite repairs, bonding and structural integrity
  • Knowledge of aerospace regulations (Part 21, EASA/FAA)
  • Project lead for materials qualification campaigns
  • MSc Aerospace Materials · Security clearance eligible (SC)

Candidate Profile — TST-006

  • SectorComposites & Advanced Manufacturing / Marine
  • Current level Manager / Operations Lead
  • LocationScotland / North East, open to relocation
  • AvailabilityAvailable with 3 months' notice
  • Salary expectation£70,000–£80,000 + bonus

Background summary

Operations and production manager with 14 years in large-scale composite component manufacturing for marine and wind energy. Implemented automated kitting and resin infusion lines, increasing throughput by 40%. Deep background in quality systems and lean transformation across multiple sites.

What they're looking for

Operations or Production Manager role within composites, renewables or advanced engineering, offering strategic influence and process modernisation projects.
  • Lean expert: waste reduction, 5S, value stream mapping
  • Track record in scaling production capacity from 500 to 5,000 units/year
  • Experienced in managing budgets up to £8M and 80+ staff
  • NEBOSH · APM Project Management qualification

Ready to discuss a hire?

Tell me about the role and I’ll give you an honest assessment of the market and how I’d approach the search. No sales pitch — just a straightforward conversation.

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