At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow a desk focused on secure government and defence tech roles.
- Company: Specialist recruitment firm with a focus on defence and public sector.
- Benefits: Strong earning potential, support for specialist desk building, and no micromanagement.
- Other info: Work in a grown-up environment with trust and reputation at the core.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a relationship-driven market with high-value roles.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in recruiting SC/DV/eDV candidates and understanding clearance levels.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ 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
- This market is 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 employer: Addition+
Contact Detail:
Addition+ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment Consultant - Defence and Public Sector
✨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 proactive in your search. Don’t just wait for roles to pop up on job boards. Use our website to find opportunities and reach out directly to companies you’re interested in. Sometimes, the best roles aren’t advertised!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with candidates or clients, make sure to highlight your understanding of SC, DV, and eDV clearance levels. This will build trust and show that you know your stuff in this sensitive market.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay patient and persistent. The hiring cycles in this sector can be long, but that’s just part of the game. Keep following up with candidates and clients, and don’t lose sight of the quality-first approach. It’ll pay off in the end!
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment Consultant - Defence and Public Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your previous experience in recruiting SC, DV, or eDV candidates. 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 skills align with our needs.
Be Authentic: When writing your cover letter, be yourself! We value authenticity and want to know what drives you in this industry. 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 receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Addition+
✨Know Your Market
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the cleared market, especially SC, DV, and eDV roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges and nuances in recruiting for these positions, as well as how you've successfully navigated them in the past.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role is all about relationship-building, come prepared with examples of how you've established trust with candidates and clients. Think of specific instances where your networking skills led to successful placements or long-term partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Quality-First Approach
Be ready to explain your quality-first recruitment strategy. Share how you prioritise candidate fit over volume and how this has benefited your previous employers. Highlight any processes you’ve implemented to ensure high-quality placements.
✨Handle Sensitive Conversations with Ease
Prepare for questions that may touch on sensitive topics. Show that you're comfortable managing delicate situations and can communicate effectively with candidates who may be hesitant or have concerns about the clearance process.