At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage client relationships in the Defence sector and drive innovative partnerships.
- Company: Plexal, a leader in Defence innovation and technology adoption.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous pension, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in the Defence industry.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in UK Defence business development with strong stakeholder relationships.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Defence is a critical sector for Plexal’s Innovation Services business, where Plexal supports across a range of areas, from embedding innovation practices to designing new models for technology adoption and accessing new and disruptive technologies.
What You’ll Do
- Act as account manager for Plexal’s existing Defence clients, ensuring strong, resilient partnerships through the entire life cycle of client engagement, from prospecting and proposal development to opportunity identification and customer satisfaction in project delivery.
- Drive Plexal’s growth in Defence by building creative and diverse partnerships for revenue across the UK Defence sector, including MOD (especially National Armaments Director Group), wider MOD bodies, and significant defence suppliers/primes.
- Own senior relationships and build new routes to market from scratch.
- Provide high‑value defence sector expertise and a pre‑existing network to illuminate routes to market and opportunities for Plexal’s growth.
- Lead critical Defence GTM activities, including partnership with defence primes, collaboration with bid consortia and securing Plexal’s position on defence frameworks.
- Develop, validate and sell new propositions into the Defence sector, working closely with internal teams to create offerings that address critical client needs and enable strategic, long‑term growth.
- Contribute to the strategy and overall delivery of the NS & Defence GTM team, supporting NS&D strategic campaigns across a diverse portfolio of client delivery.
- Be a valued contributor to the evolution of Plexal’s GTM function and delivery teams working in defence.
- Require regular business travel across all Plexal sites, the ability to manage and influence through both face‑to‑face and virtual team environments, and hold SC clearance (minimum) with DV preferred.
Your Experience
- 8+ years of experience in UK Defence sector business development or GTM (e.g., consulting, technology delivery, or Defence primes).
- Extant, valid SC clearance (essential) or DV clearance (highly desirable).
- Extensive experience working directly with key UK Defence stakeholders, especially National Armaments Director Group organisations and defence primes.
- Established and wide network in UK defence, and significant subject‑matter expertise on UK defence challenges, technology requirements and procurement.
- Proven, wide‑ranging experience of winning new business, proposition development and building high‑value revenue growth with defence clients.
Highly Desirable
- Experience in technology adoption, innovation ecosystems, or organisational change in government, especially Defence or National Security.
Who You Are
- Able to operate autonomously as an individual contributor, delivering against GTM objectives and targets.
- Accountable for personal delivery and able to work collaboratively in a wider GTM team contributing to overall NS&D objectives.
- A strategic mindset, able to anticipate medium‑long term client demand and opportunities for Plexal’s defence growth.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to develop rapport and strong relationships with clients, understand client needs and align Plexal to deliver against them.
- A strategic thinker, able to understand long‑term trends in clients and develop credible Plexal propositions.
- A collaborative worker with a strong bias towards supporting and enabling broader teams (both GTM and London‑based Plexal colleagues).
Benefits
- Salary: £80,000 – £100,000 depending on skills and experience
- Annual bonus scheme
- A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%)
- Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Volunteering day
Plexal is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Committed employer and is willing to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Senior Customer Lead, Defence employer: Here East
Plexal is an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Defence sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, Plexal provides extensive opportunities for professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare and a generous pension scheme. Located in a vibrant environment, employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and encourages meaningful contributions to the UK's Defence landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Customer Lead, Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential clients or partners, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in the Defence sector. Share insights, discuss trends, and demonstrate how you can add value to their operations. This will help you stand out as a go-to person in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in seeking opportunities! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming projects or needs. Sometimes, the best roles are created when you show genuine enthusiasm and initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities at Plexal, and applying directly through our site gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. So, don’t hesitate – check out what we have to offer!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Customer Lead, Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the UK Defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Network:Since relationships are key in this role, let us know about your existing connections within the Defence sector. Mention any partnerships or collaborations you've been involved in that could benefit Plexal’s growth.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking:We’re after someone who can think ahead! In your application, share examples of how you’ve anticipated client needs and developed strategies to meet them. This will show us you’re the strategic thinker we need.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Here East
✨Know Your Defence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the UK Defence sector. Familiarise yourself with key players like the National Armaments Director Group and major defence primes. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since having an established network is crucial for this position, be ready to discuss your connections within the Defence sector. Highlight any relationships you've built and how they could benefit Plexal. This will illustrate your ability to drive growth and create valuable partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical situations related to client engagement or partnership development. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar challenges and be prepared to share those stories. This will showcase your strategic mindset and problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Plexal values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in previous roles. Share examples of how you've contributed to team objectives and supported colleagues. This will highlight your ability to work well within a wider GTM team and align with Plexal's culture.
