Head of Sales - Future CRO (Hardware Deeptech)

Job Title: Head of Sales – Spatial Computing & Display Tech (Hardware and Software)

Location: Cambridge, UK (Hybrid / Remote Flexibility)

Client: High-Growth Deep-Tech Cambridge Spinout (Confidential)

Recruiter: Stax Deeptech Talent

About Our Client

Stax Deeptech Talent has been exclusively retained by a pioneer in next-generation visual displays. Spun out from the University of Cambridge and backed by $12million in funding from top European deep-tech VCs, our client is solving one of spatial computing’s greatest challenges: the Vergence-Accommodation Conflict (VAC).

Their proprietary nanophotonic optical technology projects digital imagery with true depth of field, creating "always-in-focus" displays that dynamically adapt to individual eye prescriptions (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) without extra lenses or glasses. By tackling the root cause of eye strain and motion sickness, their optical architecture is set to transform Extended Reality (AR/VR/XR), Automotive Head-Up Displays (HUDs), and high-precision Defence & Medical systems.

Currently operating with a lean, world-class team of 20 employees, the company is at a pivotal point with an immense opportunity to scale rapidly over the next 12 months as commercial deployments accelerate.

The Opportunity & Career Trajectory

Our client is seeking an ambitious, high-impact Head of Sales to architect and execute their global commercial go-to-market strategy. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will serve as the primary commercial driver bridging cutting-edge optical R&D with global hardware OEMs, display manufacturers, and Tier-1 automotive integrators.

Rapid Career Progression: Given the lean nature of the team and rapid scaling plans, this position offers a fast-track leadership trajectory—with a defined path to transition into the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) role within 12 months based on performance and deal execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Commercial Strategy: Define and execute the B2B go-to-market plan across target sectors, including spatial computing (XR), automotive displays (HUDs), and defense electronics.
• Deal Execution: Drive end-to-end deal origination, negotiation, and closing for strategic IP licensing, co-development partnerships, and OEM design wins.
• Commercial Scaling: Help scale the commercial function from the ground up, preparing the revenue engine and team structure as the broader company expands over the next year.
• Strategic Ecosystem Building: Capitalize on early commercial traction to expand relationships with Tier-1 OEMs and global display technology partners.
• Executive Value Proposition: Articulate the strategic and technical value of VAC-free, auto-prescriptive optics to C-suite and R&D leaders at target enterprises.

Candidate Profile

• Commercial Leadership: 7+ years of business development/sales or strategic partnership experience in deep-tech, optical hardware, micro-displays, semiconductors, AR/VR, or advanced automotive tech (HUDs/ADAS).
• CRO-Ready Trajectory: Proven capability to transition from hands-on deal-making into executive revenue leadership (CRO), scaling teams and managing enterprise pipeline growth.
• Deal Track Record: Demonstrated success structuring and closing high-value IP licensing, joint development, or component supply agreements with global hardware OEMs.
• Technical Depth: Comfortable navigating complex physical engineering domains (optical systems, light-field displays, nanophotonics) to build technical credibility with prospective partners.
• Agile Startup Mindset: Thrives in an intimate, high-growth environment (<20 headcount) preparing for hyper-scale.

Why Apply?

• Join a high-pedigree Cambridge spinout poised for rapid growth (<20 team members scaling fast over the next 12 months).
• Clear, fast-tracked evolution into a Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) role within 12 months.
• Lead commercialization for a category-defining display technology with massive global addressable markets.
• Highly competitive compensation package including baseline salary, executive bonus structure, and meaningful venture equity.

Interested in exploring this opportunity confidentially?

Submit your profile to Stax Deeptech Talent via LinkedIn or reach out directly to our deep-tech practice team.