At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate the Defence & Security Cluster, driving collaboration and achieving objectives.
- Company: West Midlands Growth Company, focused on economic development and regional growth.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape regional growth, work with diverse partners, and develop leadership skills.
- Other info: Encourages applicants from public service, defence, or military backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence and security while building valuable connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme coordination and relationship building in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who Are We? The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the region’s economic development delivery organisation. From April 2026, we will lead the delivery of regionally commissioned economic development activity aligned to the West Midlands Growth Plan, working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local authorities. We are building a sharper, business-focused organisation that attracts investment, supports high‑growth companies and drives measurable economic impact. If you want your work to shape how growth is delivered across one of the UK’s most important regions, this is your opportunity.
The Role
As Cluster Manager (Defence & Security), you will act as the Programme Lead and day‑to‑day coordinator for the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster (WM RDSC) during its critical mobilisation and early delivery phase. The WM RDSC is part of a national Ministry of Defence initiative and has already been formally launched, with funding in place, governance established and strong early momentum. The role is to ensure the Cluster is well‑coordinated, well‑governed and delivering against its objectives, while building a credible platform for future growth and sustainability. This is an enabling and convening role rather than one of sole delivery. You’ll operate as a neutral broker, aligning partners, maintaining momentum, and ensuring activity translates into real outcomes for the region’s defence and security ecosystem.
Key activities include:
- Act as Programme Lead for the WM RDSC, translating agreed priorities into clear plans, milestones and outputs.
- Coordinate activity across industry, universities, local authorities, MOD and regional partners.
- Support governance structures including the Chair, Advisory Board and working groups.
- Build trusted relationships across defence, security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and innovation sectors.
- Convening partners to unlock collaboration, innovation and access to defence markets.
- Oversee delivery progress, risks, dependencies and reporting against MOD funding requirements.
- Support events, communications and membership engagement to grow and strengthen the Cluster.
- Capture insight from the ecosystem to inform regional strategy, opportunity development and future funding.
- Contribute to the development of a sustainable operating model for the Cluster beyond 2026/27.
What you'll be doing
Your focus will be on enabling collaboration, maintaining momentum, and ensuring the cluster delivers against its objectives and funding commitments.
Responsibilities
- Lead day‑to‑day coordination of the Defence & Security Cluster, translating agreed priorities into clear plans, milestones and outputs.
- Manage the annual delivery cycle, track progress, risks and dependencies, and take corrective action where needed.
- Support effective governance, including the Chair, Advisory Board and working groups, ensuring meetings are well‑run and actions followed through.
- Act as a neutral convenor, bringing together industry, academia, government and public‑sector partners around shared goals.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with MOD, local authorities, universities, SMEs, Catapults and wider ecosystem partners.
- Coordinate events, communications and engagement activity to grow membership, strengthen collaboration and raise the profile of the cluster.
- Capture intelligence and insight from the ecosystem to inform regional priorities, opportunity development and future programme design.
- Produce clear reporting and performance updates for funders and stakeholders, ensuring audit readiness and accountability.
- Contribute to the development of a sustainable operating model for the cluster beyond the initial funding period.
What you'll bring
- Strong experience coordinating programmes or partnerships in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
- Ability to build trusted relationships across industry, government, academia and public‑sector bodies.
- Experience working within governance and assurance frameworks.
- Excellent organisation, reporting and prioritisation skills.
- Confidence operating without formal authority, using influence and collaboration to deliver outcomes.
Desirable:
- Experience in defence, security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing or innovation ecosystems.
- Experience supporting membership‑based partnerships, clusters or networks.
- Understanding of funding models, sustainability or income diversification in partnership‑led organisations.
- Experience translating policy or funding requirements into practical delivery activity.
Applicants from public service, defence or military backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Equivalent experience will be fully recognised.
Cluster Manager (Defence and Security) in Birmingham employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers employees to make a tangible impact on the region's economic development. With a strong focus on professional growth, WMGC offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders across the defence and security sectors, ensuring that your contributions help shape the future of one of the UK's most vital regions. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also supports your career advancement in a dynamic and supportive culture.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cluster Manager (Defence and Security) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and security sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express why you’re excited about the Cluster Manager position. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in shaping the future of the West Midlands’ defence and security landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role. We recommend practising answers to common interview questions, especially around collaboration and managing multi-stakeholder environments. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and show that you’re serious about the opportunity. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Cluster Manager (Defence and Security) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Cluster Manager role involves. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your unique skills and experiences fit the specific needs of the Defence and Security Cluster. Use examples that showcase your ability to coordinate and build relationships in complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Cluster Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster. Understand its objectives, key players, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how you can contribute to its growth.
✨Showcase Your Coordination Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated programmes or partnerships in complex environments. Highlight your ability to manage multiple stakeholders and ensure everyone is aligned towards common goals.
✨Build Relationships Like a Pro
Prepare to talk about your experience in building trusted relationships across various sectors. Think of instances where your networking skills led to successful collaborations, especially in defence, security, or related fields.
✨Demonstrate Your Governance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and be prepared to discuss how you've supported effective governance in previous roles. This could include managing meetings, tracking actions, and ensuring accountability among stakeholders.
