Appointment details

Chair of Octric Semiconductors Ltd

Summary

• Organisation: Octric Semiconductors
• Sponsor department: Ministry of Defence
• Location: North East
• Sectors: Defence
• Skills: Business, Change Management, Commercial
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 72 day(s) per annum
• Remuneration: £90,000 per annum
• Length of term: 3 Years
• Application deadline: 10am on 6 April 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   2 March 2026

2. Application deadline

   10am on 6 April 2026

3. Sifting date

   17 April 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   15 May 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Additional introductions

Ben White

Government Sponsor, on behalf of Secretary of State for Defence

I am pleased to introduce this recruitment pack for the appointment of the Chair of Octric, a private limited company with a vital and growing role in the UK’s strategic industrial base. Located in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, Octric operates from a purpose-built manufacturing facility, equipped to produce state of the art compound semiconductor products. These technologies underpin a broad range of applications across defence, telecommunications, and other critical national capabilities.

Following the acquisition by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in September 2024 from an American MNE, Octric has entered a new and forward-looking phase. The organisation is now focused on developing the next generation of compound semiconductors, establishing its commercial resilience and building a platform for sustainable growth within a highly competitive global sector. The incoming Chair will be pivotal in shaping and delivering this future.

We are seeking an individual with the rigour, gravitas and strategic authority to guide Octric through its evolution. This role calls for a leader with a track record in turnaround or transformation, experience supporting or scaling SMEs, and the commercial acumen to win new business, particularly by building productive relationships with major Primes and multinational enterprises.

Beyond commercial capability, we are looking for a Chair who can serve as a compelling ambassador for the Board—representing Octric credibly to industry and government. While prior experience in government or national security is not essential, it will be valuable in navigating the complex operating environment in which Octric sits.

Candidates should bring substantial Board level experience, though not necessarily prior Chair experience, and the ability to draw on multisector insight, support diverse perspectives, and uphold high standards of governance. Above all, the successful candidate will help drive growth, resilience, and long-term value for an organisation whose work has both national significance and commercial potential.

Thank you for your interest in leading Octric at this important moment. If you share our ambition for a dynamic, commercially minded organisation advancing the UK’s semiconductor capability, we look forward to hearing from you.

Appointment description

The Chair of Octric Semiconductors Ltd will provide strategic oversight, leadership, and governance to Octric and is responsible for leading the Board in setting direction, overseeing business performance, upholding corporate governance and maintaining effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. The Ministry of Defence is Octric’s primary shareholder, and this is a Ministerial appointment.

The Chair’s main responsibilities will be:

Board Leadership

•       Provide strategic leadership to the Octric Board, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities as directed by its governance documents.

•       Developing the Board: increasing its breadth of skills and overall effectiveness; ensuring its composition reflects the needs of the company and provides for diversity of perspectives and experience; and assessing skills against requirements.

•       Pursue the highest standards of corporate governance in accordance with the Government Code of Good Practice for Corporate Governance and the Cabinet Office Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies.

•       Set board agendas, direct the frequency and content of meetings, and ensure that members receive timely, high-quality information to support effective decision-making.

•       Foster an open and inclusive culture on the Board, promoting constructive debate and the full participation of all members.

•       Ensure robust evaluation of the Board’s performance, including annual appraisals of individual Board members.

Strategic Direction and Organisational Development

•       Provide clear direction and focus for Octric, ensuring the organisation’s strategy and priorities align with its strategic objectives as agreed with the shareholder.

•       Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive and the Executive Team, balancing appropriate support and challenge to drive business performance and commercial growth.

•       Lead and oversee Octric’s engagement with key stakeholders to support growth, innovation, and the delivery of organisational objectives.

•       Promote a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing culture across Octric, emphasising excellence and collaboration.

Advice and Accountability to the Shareholder

•       Provide advice to the departmental sponsor on Octric’s strategic direction, risks, performance, and governance.

•       Lead on the Board’s composition and succession planning, ensuring the Board maintains the right balance of skills and perspectives to meet current future needs.

•       Advising MoD on the performance of the Chief Executive and the Board, reinforcing the principles of accountability which apply to organisations within the public sector.

Escalate to the shareholder material matters where agreement between the Octric Chief Executive and a majority of the Board’s Non-Executive Directors cannot be reached

Organisation description

Octric Semiconductors Ltd (Octric) is a producer of specialist, high performance, reliable compound semiconductors. Based at a single site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, Octric operates a purpose-built manufacturing facility and employs over 130 people. Octric is a private limited company, which is wholly owned by the Secretary of State for Defence, and is a public corporation. Formerly owned by Coherent Inc., Octric was acquired by the Ministry of Defence in September 2024 to secure a critical supply chain for UK defence for major military programmes and exports. It is the only secure facility in the UK with the skills and capability to manufacture gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors. The business today is best viewed as a company in an early start-up phase. It is currently developing additional capability, including gallium nitride (GaN), to meet future requirements. While defence remains the core market, the company is also targeting opportunities in other high-reliability applications.

Octric’s mission is to deliver innovative compound semiconductor platforms that enable our customers’ high-performance and mission-critical applications. Its vision is to be the trusted global leader in compound semiconductor platforms.

Board composition

The board is a fiduciary board which is a fundamental part of MOD’s corporate governance of Octric. Internally its role supports the Executive Committee in effectively leading the organisation. It scrutinises performance, provides constructive challenge and advice on strategy, maintains high standards of corporate governance, and ensures that appropriate controls are in place to manage risk.

The Octric Board is comprised of:

•            Graham Love (Interim Chair)

•            Andy Fairweather (NED)

•            Anna Floyer-Lea (NED)

•            Brett Holtom (NED)

•            Evelyn Dickey (NED)

•            Sir Chris Snowden (NED)

•            Chet Babla (CEO)

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Knowledge: a clear understanding of the work, priorities and challenges of Octric and the context within which it operates.

• Experience: a strong track record of delivery on significant business transformation issues within the private or public sectors.

• Relationship building: ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, including with Ministers and Senior Government officials and external stakeholders.

• Communication: strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen, accept challenge and constructively challenge others in discussions with clarity and respect.

• Judgement: effective decision-making skills with the ability to critically analyse a wide range of information to make clear and objective evidence-based recommendations to support the delivery of the organisation’s objectives.

• Collaboration: ability to work closely with the executive board and other key stakeholders, providing support, constructive challenge and assurance as appropriate.

• Leadership: the ability to set strategic vision and drive forward Octric and MoD priorities.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively lead the Board and to provide support and constructively challenge the Executive. You should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, an empathetic approach, and the ability to listen and work as part of the team. Able to demonstrate experience of fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the workplace and boardroom.

• A strong track record in relevant senior leadership roles.

Desirable criteria

• A record of commercial business leadership at Board level or equivalent, preferably in a turnaround or high growth context, and in comparable sectors to Octric.

• Significant senior executive and non-executive experience, including experience of the public and private sectors and as a chair.

• Experience of technology and R&D intensive sectors and development of effective corporate strategies in these sectors.

• Experience in building effective boards and management teams from “ground up”.

Application and selection process

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application to responses@russellreynolds.com. Please send the following information by no later than 10:00 on 6 April 2026:

•       Your CV, with educational and professional qualifications, and full employment history, including an explanation of any gaps in your employment history.

•       A short supporting statement of no more than two A4 sized pages (1000 words) explaining why this appointment interests you and how you can evidence your suitability for the role, with direct reference to the criteria in the ‘Experience Required’ section.

•       All applicants are required to create an account on the central Public Appointments application system, and complete the diversity monitoring form on their profile to be considered for this position. RRA will be happy to support you with any questions you have around this process.

1.      https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/create-account

2.      https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/auth/sign-in

3.      Click “Apply now” – Your interest will automatically be registered

•       In your supporting statement you should provide contact details for two referees, including their names and email addresses. By providing their details you are giving consent for us to contact them should you be successful at the shortlisting stage.

Please note that references and open-source due diligence checks (including into social media accounts) will be undertaken for all short-listed candidates.

Once the competition closes, the Panel will identify a subset of candidates who best match the criteria for an initial interview with RRA to further explore their skills and experience with reference to all the criteria in the person specification.

The Panel will then have a further meeting to review interview reports on these candidates alongside CVs and statements of suitability in order to select the shortlist. At this stage they may choose to take into account the desirable criteria. Shortlisted candidates will be advised on the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a panel interview in order to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This could be in relation to any of the criteria set out in the vacancy description, key responsibilities and accountabilities and person specification.

Prior to interview, you may have the opportunity for informal conversations with key personnel and/or a site visit in order to improve your understanding of the organisation. Full details of the assessment process will be made available to shortlisted candidates.

Overview of the application process

The assessment process

1. The Approving Authority are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.
2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Approving Authority to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.
3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates should be recommended for interview. The Approving Authority will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist.
4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Approving Authority, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.
5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The names of all appointable candidates are provided to the Approving Authority. It is then for the Approving Authority to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, the Approving Authority may choose not to appoint any candidates and re-run the competition.
6. The Panel’s recommendations will be provided to the Approving Authority in a report which details the assessment method used and the outcome of each interview. They will then be asked to agree on the candidate(s) who should be appointed.
7.  Once the decision on the appointment has been made, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application. Successful candidates will be issued with their Terms and Conditions and a letter of appointment should they agree to take up the position.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Panel Chair

Ben White, Director Industry and Strategy (MOD)

Representative of the Organisation

Brett Holtom (HMG Representative), Director, Complex Transactions & Commercial Models (CO)

Independent Panel Member

Wanda Goldwag OBE, Chair of Nuclear Transport Solutions

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by the Approving Authority to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions

recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned. AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with the Approving Authority, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to the Approving Authority which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the Approving Authority to decide who to appoint to the role.

Eligibility criteria

You must be a sole UK national or dual national.

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact  responses@russellreynolds.com

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. This will be specified in the vacancy details. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here 

The level of clearance required for this role is Security Check (SC).

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

The Ministry of Defence value and welcome diversity. The appointment will be governed by the Principle of Public Appointment based on merit with independent assessment and transparency of process. Successful candidate will need to demonstrate that they meet the criteria for this appointment.

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and experience across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies/Advisory Committees are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve and this is an important part of the Government’s levelling up agenda. We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

Government departments are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of the Approving Authority. Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. If re- appointed, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or serve in any one post for more than ten years.

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy. If you feel that you have a complaint about the way in which your application has been handled, please contact in the first instance Defence Business Service (DBS) Civilian Personnel Public Appointments Team DBSCivPers-ResPublicAppts@mod.gov.uk. If you are not completely satisfied with the response, please contact the MOD Public Appointments Team at HeadOffice-PublicBodiesandAppts@mod.gov.uk.

We will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and aim to provide a response within 5 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

The Ministry of Defence privacy policy can be found here

Attachments

• Candidate Information Pack

Contact details

To apply, please submit your application to responses@russellreynolds.com by no later than 10:00 on 6 April 2026.