At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate the Defence & Security Cluster, driving collaboration and delivering impactful outcomes.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Growth Company, a key player in regional economic development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, a pension scheme, hybrid working, and health membership perks.
- Other info: This is a 9-month fixed-term contract, working 4 days a week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that shapes the future of defence and security.
- Qualifications: Experience in coordinating programmes and building relationships across diverse sectors.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Ready for your next big career move? We’re looking for an ambitious Cluster Manager to join the West Midlands Growth Company and make a real impact from day one. If you’re driven, curious, and hungry for growth, this could be your perfect next step.
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. Your 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.
Please be aware this is a 9 month fixed term contract, working 4 days per week.
You’ll be involved in:
- Acting as Programme Lead for the WM RDSC, translating agreed priorities into clear plans, milestones and outputs
- Coordinating activity across industry, universities, local authorities, MOD and regional partners
- Supporting governance structures including the Chair, Advisory Board and working groups
- Building trusted relationships across defence, security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and innovation sectors
- Convening partners to unlock collaboration, innovation and access to defence markets
- Overseeing delivery progress, risks, dependencies and reporting against MOD funding requirements
- Supporting events, communications and membership engagement to grow and strengthen the Cluster
- Capturing insight from the ecosystem to inform regional strategy, opportunity development and future funding
- Contributing to the development of a sustainable operating model for the Cluster beyond 2026/27
What Youll be doing
As Cluster Manager (Defence & Security), you’ll act as the programme lead and central coordinator for the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster during its critical mobilisation and delivery phase. Your focus will be on enabling collaboration, maintaining momentum, and ensuring the cluster delivers against its objectives and funding commitments.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading day‑to‑day coordination of the Defence & Security Cluster, translating agreed priorities into clear plans, milestones and outputs
- Managing the annual delivery cycle, tracking progress, risks and dependencies, and taking corrective action where needed
- Supporting effective governance, including the Chair, Advisory Board and working groups, ensuring meetings are well‑run and actions followed through
- Acting as a neutral convenor, bringing together industry, academia, government and public‑sector partners around shared goals
- Building and maintaining trusted relationships with MOD, local authorities, universities, SMEs, Catapults and wider ecosystem partners
- Coordinating events, communications and engagement activity to grow membership, strengthen collaboration and raise the profile of the cluster
- Capturing intelligence and insight from the ecosystem to inform regional priorities, opportunity development and future programme design
- Producing clear reporting and performance updates for funders and stakeholders, ensuring audit readiness and accountability
- Contributing to the development of a sustainable operating model for the cluster beyond the initial funding period
This is a role for someone who enjoys bringing others together, creating structure in complex environments, and enabling partnerships to deliver real economic impact.
What Youll Bring
Essential:
- 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
Why Youll Love Working Here
- 26 days holiday
- Company pension scheme including life assurance
- Hybrid working with 2 days in the office
- Cycle to work
- Simple Health employee membership scheme
Equal Opportunities Statement
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Cluster Manager (Defence and Security) in Birmingham employer: Reedglobal
The West Midlands Growth Company is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly shape the economic landscape of one of the UK's most vital regions. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including 26 days of holiday and a company pension scheme. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in the vibrant West Midlands.
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 industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨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 your enthusiasm for the Cluster Manager position. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the WM RDSC and drive real impact in the region.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for programme management roles and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Cluster Manager. Practise your answers so you can deliver them confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the West Midlands Growth Company. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Cluster Manager (Defence and Security) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Cluster Manager role. Highlight your experience in coordinating programmes and building relationships, as these are key to what we’re looking for at WMGC.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the outcomes you achieved. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in previous positions, especially in complex environments with multiple stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reedglobal
✨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
Since this role involves building trusted relationships, prepare to talk about your experience in fostering collaboration across different sectors. Share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with industry, government, and academia effectively.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Brush up on governance frameworks and assurance processes relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported effective governance in past roles, ensuring meetings are productive and actions are followed through.
