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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global Defence strategy and oversee complex engineering projects.
- Company: James Fisher, a leader in innovative engineering solutions for Defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work environment, and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global Defence operations and protect lives.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience in Defence with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on innovation and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About the Role
Our Defence Director will lead JFD’s global Defence portfolio, shaping and delivering the strategy that accelerates our growth, expands our market presence, and strengthens our position as a trusted partner to Defence customers worldwide. This is a high-impact senior leadership role at the heart of JFD’s mission—driving performance across a £90m+ P&L, guiding complex engineering programmes, and representing JFD at the highest levels with government, military and industry partners. You will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working collaboratively across Product Lines, Operations, Bids, Marketing and Regional teams to ensure outstanding delivery for our international customer base. Based in the UK, you will operate in a hybrid environment with regular engagement across our global operations.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead and execute JFD's global Defence strategy to accelerate revenue growth and expand market share.
- Identify and prioritise new markets, customer segments and channels while strengthening existing relationships.
- Champion and embed a generative safety culture across all Defence operations.
- Oversee delivery of large-scale, complex Defence engineering projects and service customers.
- Act as senior point of contact for global Defence customers, building enduring relationships.
- Own customer requirements and ensure exceptional execution through operational teams.
- Lead major international bids and define winning commercial strategies.
- Monitor performance through KPI frameworks aligned with monthly and annual business objectives.
- Manage Product Line and regional budgets, ensuring strong financial discipline and reporting.
- Sponsor new product development initiatives to drive innovation and portfolio vitality.
What we’re looking for
You will be a strategic Defence leader with deep knowledge of the Defence market, ideally Naval and proven experience managing large, international Defence portfolios. With a strong understanding of Defence procurement, contracting models and geopolitical context you must have exceptional leadership capabilities with high emotional intelligence. With demonstrable experience delivering complex engineering or technical Defence programmes you will be highly commercial, with strong negotiation and influencing skills at senior levels within an international matrix organisation.
About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services company delivering innovative solutions in demanding and safety-critical environments across the Energy, Defence and Maritime Transport sectors. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business that drives progress across the Blue Economy. JFD, part of the James Fisher Group, is a world leader in submarine rescue, diving, hyperbaric and mission-critical Defence capability. We operate globally, partnering with navies and defence organisations to deliver life-saving systems, advanced equipment and specialist services. This is a unique opportunity to deliver mission-critical work that protects lives and supports global Defence operations.
If this sounds like your next strategic leadership challenge, click apply now. Applications may close early due to high volumes—please apply as soon as possible. James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.
Defence Director employer: James Fisher and Sons plc
Contact Detail:
James Fisher and Sons plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Director
✨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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry leaders, make sure to highlight your experience in managing large Defence portfolios and complex engineering projects. We want to see your passion for the field and how you can bring value to the team!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand JFD’s mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions and preparing some insightful questions of your own to show your interest.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there, so keep an eye out for opportunities that match your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Defence Director role. Highlight your experience in managing large Defence portfolios and any relevant achievements that align with JFD's mission. We want to see how your background fits into our world!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic leadership role. Share your passion for Defence and how you can contribute to our growth and success at JFD.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Defence Director, strong leadership is key. In your application, be sure to highlight examples of how you've led teams or projects successfully. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive performance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc
✨Know Your Defence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Defence market, especially in naval contexts. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Defence Director, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex engineering environments. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you navigate challenging situations.
✨Understand the Financials
Get familiar with managing P&L statements and budgets, as this role involves overseeing a £90m+ portfolio. Be ready to discuss how you've managed financial discipline in previous roles and how you plan to ensure strong reporting and performance monitoring in this position.
✨Build Relationships
Since you'll be acting as a senior point of contact for global Defence customers, think about how you can build and maintain strong relationships. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and give examples of how you've successfully influenced senior-level decisions in the past.
