Global Head of Partnerships

Global Head of Partnerships – Aero and Defence

In support of a UK and Germany based manufacturing group focused on the manufacture and supply of components and added value within the aerospace and defence sectors in the UK and globally, we are seeking a new Global Head of Partnerships to further grow strategically aligned sales.

With an existing and proven awareness of the aerospace and defence sectors, this role will support a highly motivated professional who brings experience and leadership to the role, as well as a strategic and positive approach.

This role requires a transparent and direct level of sales management and business development engagement to expand sales from current clients, as well as target new long-term relationships. Specifically, and in line with the recent UK defence spend increase and aircraft programme visibility, this role is to strategically grow sales. The defence sector remains core.

Key accountabilities:

1. Own the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to contract close across UK and European markets.
2. Further grow existing customer partnerships, while developing and executing strategies for net-new revenue.
3. Engage directly with senior procurement, programme, and executive stakeholders at primes and government entities.
4. Drive deals aligned to strategic platforms (e.g., F-35, GCAP, and others), ensuring mutual value creation with OE and sub-tier organisations.
5. Champion differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality.
6. Provide commercial input to bid and pricing strategies in collaboration with CEO and Finance.
7. Represent the company at major defence and aerospace exhibitions, industry events, and trade bodies.
8. Develop an active pipeline with clear prioritisation and accountability for progress.
9. Lead deal diligence, qualification, and closure, including coordination of legal, technical, and operational inputs.
10. Feed market insights, customer requirements, and competitor intelligence into our business and technological roadmap.
11. Uphold the company\’s mission and values as a non-negotiable standard in all external engagements.

To support this role, candidates need detailed and qualified experience managing existing core clients and delivering new sales in the defence and aerospace sectors. Suitable candidates will have sector/supply chain exposure, relevant contacts, and be eligible for UK SC requirements.

This hybrid role is based in the UK with close contact across the Group in the UK and Germany. It does not involve managing internal sales processes but requires support for customer engagement, new programme identification, bid/tender activities, and commercial negotiations. The role also contributes to new business project and programme introductions.

Suitable candidates will have proven contacts and sector exposure. Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. Please ensure your CV includes your name, email, phone number, and location (postcode, town, or county).

#J-18808-Ljbffr