At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic conversations in cyber and digital for Defence clients.
- Company: Join AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working, and tailored benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Defence technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber, digital, or technology services within Defence environments.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 82500 £ per year.
Shape how Defence delivers tomorrow. Join us as the Strategic Lead - Cyber & Digital in our Defence business. Defence clients are facing significant change in how they exploit technology, data and digital capability. Success increasingly depends on understanding where operational need, technology evolution and organisational change intersect. This is a senior market-facing strategic leadership role, working closely with our Defence Market leadership team and Client Directors to understand where Defence demand is heading, how our cyber and digital capability aligns to that demand, and where we need to strengthen, invest or partner to continue delivering for our clients.
You will operate across client engagement, market strategy, capability development and technical leadership. You will spend much of your time externally with clients and industry partners, bringing credible cyber and digital insight into strategic conversations, and the rest of your time converting that insight into practical action across our business. In the first six months, success will mean opening 3-5 qualified leads and progressing 2-3 into solution development.
Why this role matters
This role sits at the intersection of client engagement, strategic growth and delivery excellence. You'll have the opportunity to influence significant Defence outcomes; shape the services we provide and help develop the next generation of capability across our business. At AtkinsRéalis, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we're passionate about building teams that reflect the communities we serve.
Your role
- Understand Defence demand and shape client conversations.
- Work alongside Client Directors to engage with Defence clients and understand current and emerging challenges in cyber, digital, data and technology transformation.
- Identify trends, changing priorities and future requirements before they mature into formal procurement activity.
- Build trusted senior relationships across Defence clients, industry partners and relevant stakeholder groups.
- Bring informed technical insight into conversations around digital transformation, cyber resilience, operational technology, information advantage, data exploitation and emerging technologies.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, practical language that resonates with a range of Defence decision-makers.
- Turn market insight into capability action.
- Assess how AtkinsRéalis cyber and digital capability aligns to Defence priorities, operating challenges and technology roadmaps.
- Identify capability gaps, emerging technology areas and opportunities for strategic investment.
- Shape investment choices across recruitment, partnerships, acquisitions and capability growth.
- Work with practice leaders to translate market signals into practical capability development plans.
- Influence growth and strategic opportunities.
- Identify capability gaps, investment priorities and growth opportunities.
- Support the development of propositions, strategic bids and market plans.
- Help ensure our cyber and digital capabilities stay aligned to Defence's future needs.
- Provide technical leadership for client solution development, ensuring insight is shared clearly, understood and acted upon across the business.
About you
Significant experience delivering cyber, digital, data or technology-enabled services within Defence or closely related environments, engaging with senior stakeholders across military, civil service, industry and technical communities. The ability to move effectively between technical discussions, client conversations and strategic business decision-making. Commercial awareness, with the ability to identify opportunities where client need and AtkinsRéalis capability can create mutual value. Experience working within, alongside, or in support of, Front Line Commands, Strategic Command or the wider National Armaments Director Group. Experience in Signals, communications, information systems, cyber operations, digital transformation, operational technology or military technology environments would be valuable.
Rewards & benefits
Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career. Enjoy competitive salaries, employee rewards and a brilliant range of benefits you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices. Make the most of a myriad of opportunities for training and professional development to grow your skills and expertise. And combine our hybrid working culture and flexible holiday allowances to balance a great job and fulfilling personal life.
Additional information
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they belong - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop to be the best we can be. So, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee resource groups to support all employees. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to offering an interview to all applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this commitment, please let us know at the application stage.
Strategic Lead – Cyber and Digital (Defence) employer: SNC-Lavalin
Snc-Lavalin is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering extensive training opportunities and a competitive salary. With a dynamic work culture in Birmingham, you will be part of a collaborative team that drives transformational change across major UK infrastructure programmes, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead – Cyber and Digital (Defence)
✨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 SNC-Lavalin, 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 SNC-Lavalin
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at SNC-Lavalin. 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 Strategic Lead – Cyber and Digital (Defence)
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 SNC-Lavalin 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 SNC-Lavalin that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at SNC-Lavalin
✨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 SNC-Lavalin 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 SNC-Lavalin.
✨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.
