You would be responsible for overseeing HMG priority defence, security and cyber export campaigns within a defined geographic portfolio (specific regions will vary from role to role). This is a high-profile, challenging and international-facing role for an ambitious individual looking to progress their career in the defence, security, cyber, diplomatic or trade professional anchors. You would be working in a critical policy area that provides one of HMG’s key tools for supporting national security, bilateral relationships and prosperity.
Specifically, you would lead a team delivering key export campaigns of significant strategic value to HMG – planning, coordinating and delivering activity to ensure UK success. This could include leading campaigns worth £billions to the UK economy. You would work closely with senior stakeholders across Whitehall (particularly the MOD and FCDO), UK embassies across the world and industry – including ministers, ambassadors, defence attachés, senior military personnel, CEOs and many others. You would regularly represent HMG in engaging with representatives from foreign governments. You would travel internationally to attend key meetings, events and conferences. You would deliver key events within the UK such as the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), Farnborough International Airshow, and Security & Policing.
You would develop a working knowledge of defence, security, and cyber equipment, supported by a team of capability advisors from the UK Armed Forces providing expert guidance. You would be required to travel where necessary, both internationally and domestically. You would be responsible for leading a team of SEOs and HEOs. You would have a high degree of autonomy and personal responsibility to drive export campaigns within your markets, but also full support from your management chain. You would have the opportunity to develop a broad network across Whitehall, the UK’s overseas network and industry.
Specifically, as Assistant Head you would be responsible for:
Leading defence, security and cyber export activity across a defined geographic area. This would involve leading your team to identify, develop and deliver export opportunities for UK companies. It would require monitoring activity, maintaining performance and identifying interdependencies across multiple workstreams.
Leading a team of SEO and HEO Desk Officers delivering multiple export campaigns. This would involve ensuring they maintain strong campaign project management, are working effectively with stakeholders and are delivering quality activity (e.g. briefing products).
Working with colleagues across government. Within UKDSE, this would involve other Assistant Heads, Desk Officers and capability. Beyond that, you would be required to work closely with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence; Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; and Cabinet Office. You would also work closely with Embassies and / or High Commissions across your geographic portfolio.
Working with senior figures across the UK defence, security and cyber industries. This would involve regularly representing HMG to a senior external audience – from leading campaign activity to attending exhibitions, both in the UK and overseas. This would require building commercial awareness – including of drivers, terminology and ways of working.
Providing written and oral briefings for ministers, senior officials and senior military stakeholders. This includes ensuring the quality of those produced by your team.