Strategic Defence Sector Lead

49285_1761817000
  • £55000.00 - £70000 per annum + + commission
  • England

A leading technology solutions provider is seeking a Strategic Defence Sector Lead to spearhead its expansion into the UK defence sector. This is a high-impact, strategic role focused on building relationships across public and private defence organisations and delivering secure, compliant, and innovative IT solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Engage with key defence stakeholders including MOD departments, defence primes (e.g., BAE Systems, Thales, Leonardo), and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers.
  • Build and manage a robust pipeline of opportunities across the defence ecosystem.
  • Develop tailored IT solutions that meet defence sector compliance and operational requirements.
  • Represent the organisation at major industry events such as DSEI, DPRTE, and Security & Policing Expo.
  • Lead efforts to secure relevant certifications and registrations to support approved supply frameworks.
  • Ensure alignment with the Procurement Act 2023 and Single Source Contract Regulations (SSCR).
  • Collaborate with internal teams to produce defence-focused proposals and capability statements.
  • Contribute to the development of a UK Defence Team, sharing insights and best practices.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, hands-on approach.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills, especially at senior levels.
  • Ability to translate technical IT capabilities into sector-specific value propositions.
  • Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments.
  • Background in the UK Armed Forces or significant experience in the UK defence industry.
  • Deep understanding of MOD procurement processes and public sector frameworks.
  • Established network within MOD, defence primes, and supply chain organisations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree-level education in IT, engineering, or defence-related fields.
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001) are a plus.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

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Paula Farmer-Jones
Paula Farmer-Jones Associate Director

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