At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in UK security and national resilience.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team driving innovation and safety.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Cyber UK while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in business development within cyber and digital markets.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Lead a strategically important growth business supporting UK security and national resilience. As VP Cyber NSO, you will lead Leonardo’s Cyber & Security UK National Strategic Organisations (NSO) business unit, bringing together business leadership, customer relationships and delivery to drive growth beyond our core Defence market. Your focus will be on key government departments and organisations supporting UK security missions, particularly within critical national infrastructure (CNI).
Leonardo is a global high-tech company and a key player in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Our UK Cyber & Security division brings together expertise in homeland security, critical national infrastructure, and cyber and digital systems. With new capabilities, service offerings and major campaigns planned over the next five years, this is an opportunity to shape and lead a primary growth area for Cyber UK.
You will be accountable for delivering the five-year business plan, translating strategy into successful campaigns, new contracts and effective programme delivery. You will combine commercial judgement, business winning and stakeholder management to deliver customer value and sustainable business growth. Leading direct reports across programme management and account management, you will align the team around growth: winning new contracts, securing strategic market positions and delivering on customer commitments.
You will bring a strong track record of business development in this market, alongside profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, strategic thinking and effective stakeholder management. This role offers the scope to shape the business, develop its people and turn ambitious growth plans into results.
What you’ll do as a VP Cyber NSO:
- Own and deliver the sector’s Integrated Business Plan (IBP)
- Develop and execute the National Strategic Organisations sector strategy, aligned with the wider Cyber strategy.
- Work alongside the Sales SVP to drive business winning across UK government campaigns, securing the order intake needed to deliver growth.
- Build the team’s skills and capabilities to support campaign execution and order intake requirements.
- Mobilise newly awarded programmes through the programme teams, ensuring the initial phases deliver value for customers and the business.
- Shape future capabilities and campaigns through insight into customer needs and market opportunities.
- Provide effective people leadership across the sector and wider Cyber business, role-modelling our People Management Framework.
- Evolve the business unit’s offering in response to customer requirements, our service portfolio and developments in digital technology.
- Build strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with industry and key customers to enable delivery of the strategy.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven leadership experience in business, account management or major programme delivery within cyber and digital markets and/or the UK government environment.
- A track record of winning business and building customer relationships in a key externally facing role.
- A detailed understanding of programme and financial controls.
- The ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, both within the business and externally.
- Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to build and sustain effective working relationships across internal teams and external organisations.
- Confidence in addressing underperformance and resolving conflict constructively, protecting customer and business outcomes.
- Effective delegation, management and coordination of business activities.
- Strong problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to think strategically and laterally.
- Experience developing individuals and cohesive teams through individual and collective training.
- Experience managing and integrating strategic partners and subcontractors, with an understanding of outsourcing, integration and risk sharing.
You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. If you bring relevant leadership experience, a commitment to learning and the ambition to grow this business, we would welcome hearing from you.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
Why join us
At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
- Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
- Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
- Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
- Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
- Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
- Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know. Be part of something bigger - apply now!
VP National Strategic Organisations employer: Leonardo S.p.A.
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers employees to tackle complex technical challenges in the aerospace sector. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive learning opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance global safety. Located in Edinburgh, this role provides a unique chance to be part of a diverse team dedicated to shaping the future of technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP National Strategic Organisations
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Leonardo S.p.A., love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Leonardo S.p.A.
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Leonardo S.p.A.. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace VP National Strategic Organisations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Leonardo S.p.A. insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Leonardo S.p.A. that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo S.p.A.
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Leonardo S.p.A. to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Leonardo S.p.A..
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.