Director Data Management

Isostatic Graphite Production and R&D Director Location: United Kingdom Salary: Competitive + Benefits Circa -- £150k + Bonus & Benefits Our client is a leader in advanced materials manufacturing, with a focus on producing and innovating high-performance isostatic graphite for key sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), defense, semiconductors, and renewable energy. The role requires expertise in handling raw materials like needle-shaped petroleum coke and managing technical challenges associated with transitioning precursor materials into high-performance isostatic graphite products. This position will also oversee high-temperature processing and multiple rounds of impregnation to ensure product quality, durability, and scalability. The Director will champion sustainability efforts by implementing practices that reduce waste, emissions, and energy consumption in graphite production, while also focusing on sustainable raw material sourcing and minimizing the carbon footprint. Stakeholder management is critical, as the Director will collaborate cross-departmentally with engineering, R&D, and production teams, manage client relationships in key industries such as defense and EVs, and coordinate supply chain operations. The role also involves balancing internal and external stakeholder priorities and leading complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with regulatory compliance and sustainability goals. You will work on scaling production efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality, and explore new graphite applications in high-growth sectors. Direct isostatic graphite production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met Manage cross-functional teams and collaborate with other departments to achieve company goals and Oversee project management for production and R&D activities Establish a strong R&D division focused on developing advanced graphite materials, particularly isostatic graphite, to meet the growing demand from industries like electric vehicles (EVs), semiconductors, and defense. Material Advancements: Lead research efforts on transitioning from precursor materials to finished graphite products, including optimizing the isostatic pressing process for higher efficiency and product quality. Explore and develop new applications for graphite materials, such as nuclear reactors, continuous casting, and solar energy applications, ensuring high performance and market competitiveness. Collaborative Research: Partner with academic institutions, industry leaders, and cross-functional teams to leverage cutting-edge research and apply the latest technological innovations in graphite production. Data-Driven Decision Making: Implement robust experimental design and statistical analysis (DOE, ANOVA) to guide R&D projects, ensure data-driven decisions, and optimize production methods. Team Building: Assemble a diverse team of engineers, material scientists, and technicians with expertise in graphite materials, ceramics, and high-temperature processing to support the company’s innovation goals. Talent Acquisition: Recruit top talent with specific knowledge in isostatic pressing, carbon materials, and high-temperature material sciences to bolster the R&D team. Professional Development: Implement training and development programs to keep the team up-to-date with the latest industry trends, production techniques, and safety regulations. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Invest in advanced equipment and laboratories for material testing, simulation, and product development, creating a cutting-edge R&D hub for the company. Streamline the R&D-to-production pipeline by integrating research insights directly into the manufacturing process, ensuring rapid innovation and deployment of new technologies. Establish a clear research and development roadmap that aligns with the company’s strategic goals, ensuring that R&D activities support both short-term and long-term objectives. Implement strict Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocols in both R&D and production environments to ensure a safe workplace and compliance with all regulatory standards. Focus on sustainable graphite production methods, reducing waste, emissions, and energy consumption throughout the production cycle, including in high-temperature processes like graphitization. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations, particularly in areas related to emissions and waste disposal, to support the company’s long-term sustainability goals. Drive process improvements to optimize efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in graphite manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams on projects that align with carbon futures and advanced energy markets, including EVs, semiconductors, and related applications. Identify technical challenges and implement solutions to ensure production scalability while maintaining high product quality. Expertise in materials engineering, specifically with ceramics, carbon, graphite, and/or powdered metals. ~ Project management experience is strongly preferred. ~ Proficiency in experimental design, statistics, and data analysis (DOE, ANOVA) is a must. ~