Vice President of Manufacturing - Hyperscaling Energy Storage

VP of Manufacturing – Next-Generation Energy Storage Systems (Autonomous Defence Sector) Location: Cambridge, UK (Hybrid / On-site focus) Seniority: Executive / Vice President Funding: 7-Figure Seed (Tier-1 VC Backed) The Opportunity We are partnering with a high-profile, venture-backed DeepTech spin-out from the University of Cambridge that is developing revolutionary energy storage systems for mission-critical applications. Backed by top-tier global VC investors and supported by a multi-million-pound 7-figure seed round, this team is bridging cutting-edge battery innovation with the stringent performance demands of the autonomous defence sector. We are seeking a visionary VP of Manufacturing to join as a core executive leader. In this pivotal role, you will take cutting-edge battery technology from lab-scale prototypes through to pilot-line production, and ultimately design and scale full-scale, commercial manufacturing operations. Why Join?

• High-Impact Mission: Build power systems designed for unmanned systems, autonomous defence platforms, and extreme environments where energy density and reliability are non-negotiable.
• Ground-Floor Ownership: Shape the manufacturing architecture from day one. You will design the facilities, build the supply chain, and assemble the operational team.
• World-Class Pedigree: Work alongside world-leading scientists and seasoned tech executives, backed by premier deep-tech venture capital. Key Responsibilities
• Facility Strategy & Setup: Own the end-to-end design, site selection, buildout, and commissioning of a state-of-the-art Pilot Manufacturing Facility in the Cambridge area, creating a roadmap for industrial-scale rollout.
• Process Scale-Up: Translate lab-scale electrochemistry and battery assembly processes into scalable, optimised industrial production lines.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Work closely with R&D, engineering, and quality teams to implement DFM/DFA principles, ensure safety compliance, and meet defence-grade quality standards.
• Supply Chain & Sourcing: Establish secure, resilient supply chains for specialized materials, components, and automated production machinery.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and direct a world-class manufacturing, process development, and quality engineering team. What We're Looking For
• Proven Track Record: 10+ years leading manufacturing setup, scale-up, or operations within Advanced Hardware, Battery / Energy Storage, CleanTech, Aerospace, or Automotive sectors.
• 0-to-1 Facility Experience: Hands-on experience establishing pilot facilities, cleanroom/dry-room setups, or production line scale-up from scratch.
• Deep Process Knowledge: Familiarity with precision assembly, battery/cell processing, high-density hardware integration, or advanced materials manufacturing.
• High-Reliability Sectors: Experience delivering products compliant with rigorous quality and safety standards (Defence, Aerospace, Medical, Automotive).
• Strategic Leadership: Ability to operate comfortably in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment while maintaining executive control over CAPEX, OPEX, safety, and supply chain continuity. How to Apply