Director – Defence & Sovereign Markets Advisory

This is an opportunity to build and scale a specialist advisory business focused on defence procurement, sovereign capability and market entry for advanced defence and dual-use technology companies.

The unit has already generated solid revenue in its early phase, largely through inbound demand and existing networks. It now requires a commercially minded Director to take advantage of a clear market window, formalise the proposition and build a scalable business line.

This role suits someone entrepreneurial, energetic and credible who wants to build a business unit during a period of strong market demand. They must be comfortable with ambiguity, able to create structure, and willing to be hands-on in delivery, business development and client management.

The successful candidate will need to bring energy, network, structure and commercial drive.

The Role

You will lead a high-potential advisory unit supporting defence technology companies, primes, founders and investors seeking to navigate UK and allied defence markets.

Typical client needs include market entry, MOD engagement, procurement strategy, stakeholder mapping, trials access, tender positioning, partnership strategy and sovereign market risk.

The role requires someone who understands how defence capability, policy, politics, procurement and operational demand intersect, and can turn that insight into practical client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities 

• Build and lead a specialist Defence & Sovereign Markets advisory unit
• Define the commercial proposition and service offering
• Advise clients on UK defence procurement, MOD engagement and market entry
• Support advanced defence and dual-use technology companies seeking access to government customers
• Lead stakeholder mapping, engagement sequencing and tender positioning
• Build and convert a pipeline of advisory mandates
• Develop trusted client relationships across defence technology, primes, government and investors
• Manage a blended delivery model of internal support and specialist consultants
• Ensure engagements are practical, outcome-focused and commercially sound
• Represent the business in senior client, institutional and industry environments

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to be an emerging or early-stage Director who has been close to defence procurement, market entry, public affairs, government affairs, strategy or business development in the defence ecosystem.

They will be hungry, commercially sharp and motivated by the opportunity to build something rather than inherit a mature platform.

Essential Experience

• Strong understanding of UK defence procurement and MOD buying routes
• Existing network across MOD, defence industry, primes, procurement or adjacent national security markets
• Experience supporting companies through market entry, stakeholder engagement or tender positioning
• Commercial acumen and ability to build revenue from a warm but early-stage platform
• Ability to operate in a start-up environment with limited existing infrastructure
• Credibility with senior stakeholders, founders, operators and institutional clients
• Strong judgement around timing, access, partnerships and opportunity prioritisation

Desirable Experience

• Experience in a defence prime, OEM, advisory firm, public affairs business, government affairs role or specialist consultancy
• Exposure to defence technology, autonomous systems, aerospace, counter-drone, missiles, advanced platforms or dual-use capability
• Knowledge of UK innovation pathways, trials, frameworks and programmes of record
• European defence market exposure
• Experience working with consultants or associate networks