At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow a desk focused on secure government and defence technology roles.
- Company: Join a specialist recruitment firm with a strong understanding of the defence sector.
- Benefits: High earning potential, supportive environment, and access to exclusive roles.
- Other info: Enjoy a grown-up work culture with no micromanagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a relationship-driven market with high-value placements.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in recruiting for UK defence and public sector tech roles.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for a recruiter who already understands the cleared market. Not someone who wants to learn it or break into defence — you've already recruited SC / DV / eDV candidates, you know how slow, sensitive and relationship-driven it is, and you're comfortable operating in that space.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning and growing a desk focused on secure government and defence technology roles.
- Delivering into SC, DV and eDV-cleared roles across areas like software engineering, cloud, cyber, infrastructure and data.
- Working with candidates who don't live on job boards and don't respond to generic outreach.
- Managing long hiring cycles, complex stakeholders and tight compliance requirements.
- Building trusted relationships with both candidates and clients in a highly network-driven market.
- Running processes properly — not throwing CVs over the fence.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience recruiting into UK defence / public sector tech roles.
- Strong understanding of SC, DV and eDV clearance levels (and what they actually mean in practice).
- Track record of placing candidates in secure or classified environments.
- Comfortable handling sensitive conversations and candidate situations.
- Able to work quality-first — this isn't a volume CV shop.
- Ideally experience across one or more of: Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Infrastructure / Networks, Data / AI.
The reality of this role:
- Relationship-led, not transactional.
- Slower moving, but higher value.
- Candidate-short, not job-short.
- Built on trust and reputation.
If you know how to build a network, manage complexity, and deliver properly — you'll do very well here.
What you'll get:
- Access to live, high-value roles in defence and secure government projects.
- Support to build a genuinely specialist desk (not just fill jobs).
- A business that understands this market — not one trying to have a go at it.
- Strong earning potential aligned to a high-margin, low-volume model.
- A grown-up environment — no micromanagement, no KPI theatre.
Recruitment Consultant - Defence and Public Sector in Milton Keynes employer: Addition+
As a Recruitment Consultant in the Defence and Public Sector, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values quality over quantity, allowing you to build meaningful relationships within a niche market. Our company prioritises employee growth, offering access to high-value roles and the autonomy to develop your own specialist desk without the constraints of micromanagement. With a strong understanding of the unique demands of the cleared market, we provide a rewarding workplace where your expertise is recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment Consultant - Defence and Public Sector in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and public sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential candidates or clients on LinkedIn. Building those relationships is key!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for the long game. The hiring cycles in this sector can be slow, so patience is essential. Keep your candidates engaged and informed throughout the process, and make sure you’re managing expectations with clients too.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with candidates or clients, highlight your understanding of SC, DV, and eDV clearances. This will build trust and show that you know what you’re talking about, making you the go-to recruiter in this niche.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for you, and applying directly means you’ll get noticed quicker. Plus, we understand the market and can help you find the right fit for your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment Consultant - Defence and Public Sector in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in recruiting for SC, DV, and eDV roles. We want to see that you know the ins and outs of the cleared market, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect your understanding of the defence and public sector tech roles. We’re looking for someone who gets the nuances of this space, so make it clear how your background fits.
Be Authentic:When writing your cover letter, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to know what drives you in this field. Share your passion for building relationships and managing complex hiring processes.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Addition+
✨Know Your Clearance Levels
Make sure you have a solid understanding of SC, DV, and eDV clearance levels. Be prepared to discuss how these clearances impact the recruitment process and the types of candidates you’ve successfully placed in secure environments.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
This role is all about building trust and relationships. Come ready with examples of how you've nurtured candidate and client relationships in the past, especially in sensitive or complex situations. Highlight your ability to manage long hiring cycles effectively.
✨Demonstrate Market Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the defence and public sector tech market. Be ready to discuss specific roles like software engineering, cyber security, and data roles, and how you’ve successfully recruited for them in the past.
✨Quality Over Quantity Mindset
Emphasise your commitment to quality recruitment rather than just filling positions. Prepare to explain your approach to managing candidate processes and how you ensure that every placement is the right fit for both the candidate and the client.
