Chief Technical Officer, RAS / Fish Processing

A private investment group is seeking an experienced Chief Technical Officer for its portfolio company developing a major greenfield RAS and fish-processing facility in Austria.

This is a key leadership role with end-to-end responsibility for the technological concept, design and implementation of the new production facility. Working closely with shareholders, project leadership and senior management, the CTO will lead the project from technical concept and engineering through equipment selection, commissioning and ramp-up to full-scale operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall technical and production technology strategy for the greenfield facility.
• Take ownership of the aquaculture, fish-production and processing technology concept.
• Define technical requirements and ensure their integration into plant design and engineering.
• Lead the selection and implementation of production systems, technologies and equipment.
• Oversee key aspects of aquaculture systems, process engineering, water treatment, production efficiency and biosecurity.
• Work closely with engineering and construction teams, equipment suppliers and technology partners.
• Ensure the facility is designed for safe, efficient, scalable and commercially viable production.
• Lead the technical aspects of commissioning, start-up and production ramp-up.
• Advise shareholders and senior management on major technical and CAPEX decisions.
• Build the technical capabilities and team required for future operations.

Candidate Profile

• Senior technical leadership experience within RAS, fish farming, fish processing, seafood production or a closely related production environment.
• Strong understanding of industrial aquaculture and/or fish-processing technologies and production processes.
• Experience with land-based aquaculture or RAS systems would be a significant advantage.
• Proven involvement in the design, development, commissioning or launch of production facilities.
• Greenfield project or major plant start-up experience is highly desirable.
• Strong combination of strategic technical leadership and hands-on project execution.
• Experience working with engineering partners, technology providers and equipment suppliers.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Fluent German and English are mandatory.