Interim Chief Technology Officer- Naval/Maritime Defence

Role Overview

The Interim CTO will provide strategic and technical leadership across the organisation’s engineering and technology functions. This role is critical in driving innovation, overseeing large-scale naval engineering programmes, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex maritime technology projects. The CTO will work closely with executive leadership, engineering teams, and external stakeholders to align technology strategy with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the company’s engineering and technology strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals and maritime industry standards.
• Oversee the delivery of large-scale naval and maritime engineering projects, ensuring technical excellence, compliance, and timely execution.
• Provide hands-on leadership to multi-disciplinary engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage technology roadmaps, R&D initiatives, and digital transformation programmes.
• Owns end-to-end safety assurance across all platforms.
• Ensure robust systems architecture, cybersecurity, and integration of emerging technologies across platforms.
• Engage with clients, defence partners, and regulatory bodies to ensure technical alignment and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Drive operational efficiency through process optimisation, technology upgrades, and strategic vendor partnerships.
• Report directly to the CEO and collaborate with other C-suite executives on strategic planning and investment decisions.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience as CTO, Engineering Director, or Senior Technical Leader in the maritime or naval engineering sector.
• Demonstrated success in leading large, complex engineering programmes within defence or high-tech marine environments.
• Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Strong understanding of maritime systems, naval platforms, and digital infrastructure.
• Experience with agile and traditional project delivery methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Portsmouth five days per week.

Desirable Skills

• Familiarity with MOD/NATO standards and defence procurement processes.
• Experience in digital experimentation, autonomous systems, or maritime C5ISR.
• Background in systems integration, cybersecurity, or advanced manufacturing.