Director of Strategic Growth – Defence Sector

This position has been created following a recent business restructure and carries overall responsibility for the Defence market – specifically DE&S and Defence Digital. Our client already operates across several major frameworks (including DIPs), and this role will lead on securing and expanding opportunities across DE&S and Defence Digital, with particular engagement across Navy, Army, and Air Command portfolios.

The successful candidate will drive significant growth across Engineering, Asset Management, and Digital disciplines, with an ambitious objective to double the Defence market from £100 million to £200 million within the next five years. This individual will be instrumental in steering that strategy and delivering results.

This is not a delivery position; a highly capable delivery function is already well established and successful.

You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and hold full P&L responsibility, driving revenue, profitability, and innovation in alignment with the company’s long-term strategic vision and values.

Working Patterns: This role is expecting approx. 4 days per week onsite with the clients in Bristol or Corsham, but they will consider candidates based elsewhere and expense travel. 

• Develop and maintain strategic client relationships to drive long-term growth and expand addressable spend.
• Develop and execute a five-year market strategy aligned with business goals, responding proactively to market trends, regulatory change, and competitive dynamics.
• Collaborate with regional and global leadership teams to leverage mega trends and identify cross-market opportunities.
• Jointly design and deliver strategic plans for the Secure Government business unit.
• Design business growth strategies through business acquisition.
• Build and sustain senior-level relationships across both public and private sectors.
• Drive market share growth through business development, strategic partnerships, and the full breadth of the client’s service portfolio.
• Deliver annual revenue, EBITDA, and margin targets through strong operational and financial management.
• Ensure project delivery is on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards. Monitor and manage cost-to-revenue ratios, EBIT performance, and financial forecasting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive team, including two direct Account Director reports.
• Contribute to an aligned resource plan based on market growth forecasts and project pipelines.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and capability enhancement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Champion digital transformation and promote innovative service offerings.
• Represent the organisation at key industry events and forums.
• Enhance the brand’s reputation through thought leadership and demonstrable client success.

• You will possess a clear vision for the future of Defence in the UK, with the capability to translate complex client needs into meaningful opportunities for our client. You will be a proven, well-rounded leader with established relationships across the MOD and wider Defence ecosystem, bringing deep experience in strategic leadership, business growth, and operational management.
• You will demonstrate exceptional client and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence and insight to operate effectively in a complex, nuanced environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a sound approach to risk management.
• A customer-focused mindset and outstanding relationship-building ability.
• In-depth understanding of the evolving MOD landscape and client environment.
• A collaborative, proactive leader who remains composed under pressure and inspires others toward shared goals.
• High personal performance standards and a commitment to excellence in yourself and others.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organisational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability to operate independently as well as within multi-disciplinary teams.
• The ability to communicate effectively at all organisational levels, and a supportive, developmental approach to mentoring less experienced colleagues.

• Pension up to 10% client contribution.
• Life assurance, income protection insurance and critical illness cover.
• Option to buy & sell holiday.
• Dental, health, medical, travel and gadget insurance.
• 24/7 Digital GP.

Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

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You will be required to hold a minimum of SC or DV Clearance. If you do not hold an active SC or DV clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.

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