Global Head of Partnerships

Global Head of Partnerships

London Full-Time 48000 - 64000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partnerships and drive sales in aerospace and defence sectors across Europe.
  • Company: Join a next-gen defence company revolutionising supply chain solutions for aerospace and defence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and performance-based incentives.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in a rapidly expanding organisation with significant industry impact.
  • Qualifications: Senior executive experience in aerospace or defence with proven contract negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to represent the company at major industry events and exhibitions.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.

Our client, a next-generation defence company delivering critical supply chain, manufacturing and assembly solutions to the aerospace, space and defence sectors, are recruiting for a Global Head of Partnerships which is a fully remote role with an option to work in a London workspace if required.

On Offer:

  • An opportunity to join a rapidly expanding organisation which is well placed to service the aerospace and defence sectors
  • Offering a salary of c. £80K, dependant on skills and experience
  • Remote working
  • Performance-based incentive package (high variable component)

Main Purpose of the Global Head of Partnerships:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, seeking an accomplished and execution-focused Global Head of Partnerships to build strategic, long-term, and commercially meaningful relationships across the UK and the core European markets. This is a high-impact individual contributor role for a senior professional with a proven network and ability to independently originate, negotiate, and close high-value contracts. The successful candidate will grow and convert a qualified pipeline of aerospace and defence opportunities with primes and government buyers, while expanding strategic partnerships and bringing new partners into the business. They will be a trusted commercial face of the business in the UK and Europe, actively engaged in client relationships and key industry forums.

Key Accountabilities:

  • Owning the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to contract close across UK and European markets
  • Growing existing customer partnerships, while developing and executing strategies for net-new revenue
  • Engaging directly with senior procurement, programme, and executive stakeholders at primes and government entities
  • Driving forward deals aligned to strategic platforms, ensuring mutual value creation
  • Championing the Company’s differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality
  • Providing commercial input to bid and pricing strategies in collaboration with CEO and Finance
  • Representing the Company at major defence and aerospace exhibitions, industry events, and trade bodies
  • Developing an active pipeline with clear prioritisation and accountability for progress
  • Leading on deal diligence, qualification, and closure, including coordination of legal, technical, and operational inputs
  • Feeding market insights, customer requirements, and competitor intelligence into our business and technological roadmap

To Be Considered:

  • Held a Senior executive-level relevant role within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing
  • The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate experience with access to decision makers at major primes (e.g., BAE, Airbus, Lockheed, Leonardo) and/or government buyers with securing defence contracts.
  • Proven ability to structure and close multimillion-pound or euro long-term or framework agreements
  • Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-led approach, and entrepreneurial mindset
  • Ability to work independently, transparently, and with full accountability to financial outcomes
  • Deep understanding of customer needs, procurement dynamics, and value drivers in defence manufacturing
  • Willing to travel regularly within Europe and the UK
  • Ability to anticipate and interpret market needs, and translate them into commercial and strategic opportunities for growth

For full details contact Willis Global – a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace Sector.

Global Head of Partnerships employer: Willis Global Ltd

Join a pioneering defence company that is at the forefront of innovation in the aerospace and defence sectors, offering a fully remote role with the flexibility to work from a London workspace if desired. With a competitive salary and performance-based incentives, this organisation fosters a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and strategic partnerships, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a significant impact in their field.
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Contact Detail:

Willis Global Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Global Head of Partnerships

✨Tip Number 1

Network strategically within the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, exhibitions, and forums where you can meet key decision-makers from major primes and government entities. Building these relationships can give you a significant edge in securing interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the aerospace and defence industries. This knowledge will not only help you in conversations but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during networking opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous successes in closing high-value contracts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built partnerships and driven revenue growth, as this will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the company's differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality. Understanding these aspects will allow you to effectively champion the company’s strengths during discussions with potential partners.

We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Partnerships

Strategic Thinking
Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Sales Cycle Management
Market Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Acumen
Networking Skills
Understanding of Aerospace and Defence Sectors
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Pipeline Development
Decision-Making Skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Presentation Skills
Adaptability to Market Changes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing. Emphasise your achievements in securing contracts and building partnerships, as these are crucial for the Global Head of Partnerships role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and execution-led approach. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders and closed high-value contracts in the past.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to negotiation, relationship management, and market insight. These are key attributes for the role, so make sure they stand out.

Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the aerospace and defence sectors in your application. Mention any relevant industry events you’ve attended or forums you’ve participated in, as this shows your active engagement in the field.

How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global Ltd

✨Research the Company and Industry

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and its position within the aerospace and defence sectors. Understand their key projects, competitors, and market trends. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute strategically.

✨Prepare Your Success Stories

Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to build partnerships and close high-value contracts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your strategic thinking and execution skills.

✨Engage with Key Stakeholders

Since this role involves engaging with senior procurement and executive stakeholders, practice how you would approach these conversations. Be prepared to discuss how you can add value to their operations and address their specific needs in the defence sector.

✨Showcase Your Network

Highlight your existing network within the aerospace and defence industries. Discuss how your connections can facilitate new partnerships and opportunities for the company. This will demonstrate your capability to leverage relationships for business growth.

Global Head of Partnerships
Willis Global Ltd
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