Established in 2017, NZTC is a not-for-profit, industry-led, technology research and development organisation based in Aberdeen. NZTC invests in partnership with industry, local and national government, and academia to address major innovation challenges, working across a range of sectors from renewables to manufacturing. The centre develops and deploys technology to accelerate the transition to a net zero energy system.

NZTC was created as part of the Aberdeen City Region Deal, with £180m of UK and Scottish government funding to maximise the potential of the North Sea. It has a strong track record of delivery, having evaluated more than 1,400 technologies, invested in more than 250 projects, delivered more than 50 field trials, grown more than 25 new companies, and delivered more than 30 commercialised technologies.

Focused on technologies that will drive transition, and established in 2017, NZTC is now looking for a new board member to support the long term sustainability of the company. The organisation has been restructured to support an enhanced focus on net zero. It seeks to deliver technology which ensures that hydrocarbon is produced in the North Sea with a net zero footprint - while also unlocking the potential of carbon sequestration, blue and green hydrogen - and supporting the growth of the renewable sector. NZTC wants to accelerate the transition to net zero, ensure that the next generation of energy is affordable, and drives the creation of a new energy industry in the UK.

NZTC is committed to a culture of innovation and helping to attract the next generation of engineers and scientists to the energy industry. It has three core values: to inspire those who want to make positive changes, drive those who have a curiosity to innovate, and to thrive on diversity of thought.

Key duties of the Non-Executive Director will include

• Challenging, supporting, and approving the Executive’s proposals for strategy and the evolution of the business
• Holding the Executive to account for a high standard of delivery against the business plan
• When appropriate, act as ambassadors to enhance NZTCs profile through engagement with key stakeholders
• Provide guidance on government negotiations and funding strategy
• As required, the NED may Chair a sub-committee or panel within NZTC on behalf of the Board

The successful candidate will bring previous board experience within a government organisation or interfacing with government agencies, and will be familiar with best practice corporate governance and navigating complex stakeholder and investor relationships. They will have a background of operating in the energy sector and will demonstrate experience of mentoring and coaching at executive levels.

The new NED will bring government or funding experience as NZTC is looking for someone with a strong government network who will be familiar with R&D funding within the UK system and / or someone who has worked within research and development organisations and has a track record of attracting institutional funds. Alternatively, the candidate could also bring energy experience and would have had experience of operating within the energy sector, bringing a rich and diverse network that would benefit NZTC.

Further, the successful candidate should ideally have knowledge of operating at the executive or board level in a government organisation. They should have familiarity with best practice corporate governance and navigating complex stakeholder and investor relationships.

NZTC is looking for a non-executive with a strong advisory approach. If candidates do not previously held many non-executive positions, their experience should demonstrate a track record of influencing the direction of their organisation, outside of their day-to-day area(s) of responsibility. Ideally this record will include sitting on panels or committees.

NZTC welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

The time commitment is likely to be between 10-12 days per year, with six scheduled Board meetings (hybrid, roughly two in person & four virtual). Reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The term is three years with a two year optional extension.

NZTC is based in Scotland however, it prefers candidates based in the UK for this role since it has strong relationships with the UK government. Meetings will be a hybrid model with two in-person meetings (for which all travel costs will covered) and two virtual meetings.