At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth strategy and build relationships in the UK Defence digital market.
- Company: Join Sopra Steria, a leader in Aerospace, Defence and Security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, private medical, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Defence with innovative strategies and impactful relationships.
- Qualifications: Deep knowledge of UK Defence and proven strategic sales experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of Sopra Steria's growth in UK Defence. This high-impact leadership role at the heart of our Aerospace, Defence and Security business is responsible for driving growth across the UK Defence digital market. From setting strategy and identifying opportunities, through to shaping investment-ready propositions and handing them into the strategic sales process, this role owns the front end of the growth agenda. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the MoD, industry and internal leadership teams, you will turn market insight into a clear, prioritised growth roadmap and build the relationships, pipeline and momentum needed to deliver long-term success. This hybrid role is ideally located in the South East, with travel to London and Corsham anticipated.
Responsibilities
- Define and lead a 3‑5 year Defence growth strategy and roadmap, aligned to wider ADS and corporate objectives, and drive early‑stage shaping activity across the strategic account.
- Build and maintain senior relationships across Defence (MoD, military, civil service and industry) to strengthen market access, insight and influence.
- Own stakeholder mapping and engagement plans, coordinating activity across sales, marketing, delivery and partners to maintain strong momentum.
- Translate market, policy and competitor insight into clear, prioritised opportunities and growth initiatives within the Defence sector.
- Qualify and shape priority opportunities through internal governance, ensuring they are investment-ready with defined propositions, commercial approach and win strategy ahead of sales handover.
- Lead alignment across internal teams and partners, ensuring propositions, pre‑sales investment and pipeline development are focused on Defence priorities and support successful bid outcomes.
Qualifications
- Deep knowledge of the UK Defence sector, ideally with a focus on digital transformation and technology‑led solutions.
- Proven experience operating in a strategic sales, business development or client leadership role within complex, high‑value environments.
- Strong strategic thinking capability, with experience developing and delivering multi‑year growth plans and opportunity pipelines.
- Ability to build and influence senior stakeholder relationships, both internally and externally, including at executive level.
- Broad technical understanding to support solution shaping and credible engagement across consulting, delivery and sales teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to align stakeholders, drive collaboration and influence outcomes.
Role Details
- Employment type: Full‑time, permanent.
- Location: London and Corsham.
- Security clearance level: Minimum MOD SC (DV optional).
- Internal recruiter: Amy.
- Salary: Competitive.
- Benefits include bonus, £6,600 car allowance, 25 days annual leave with option to buy additional days, private medical, life assurance, pension and generous flexible benefits fund.
- Flexible working arrangements are available.
Head of Growth and Business Development - Defence employer: Sopra Steria Limited
Sopra Steria is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the UK Defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements, ensuring our team members can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the South East, this role not only allows for impactful contributions to national security but also offers the opportunity to build influential relationships across the MoD and industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Growth and Business Development - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
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. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the UK Defence market. This knowledge will not only help you in conversations but also show potential employers that you’re genuinely interested and informed about the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Growth and Business Development. Highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for success in this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Growth and Business Development - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the UK Defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with our growth strategy and how you can contribute to shaping our future.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to develop and deliver multi-year growth plans. We’re looking for someone who can turn market insights into actionable strategies, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Highlight Relationship Building Skills:Since this role involves building senior relationships across Defence, make sure to mention any relevant experiences where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. We love seeing how you’ve influenced outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Defence team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria Limited
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the UK Defence sector, especially around digital transformation. Being able to discuss current market insights and how they relate to Sopra Steria's growth strategy will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in the industry.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with current or former employees of the company on LinkedIn. Understanding their experiences and insights can give you a leg up in the interview. Plus, it shows your proactive approach to building relationships, which is key for this role.
✨Prepare Your Growth Strategy Ideas
Think about what a 3-5 year growth strategy could look like for Sopra Steria in the Defence sector. Be ready to share your ideas on how to identify opportunities and shape investment-ready propositions. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and alignment with the company's objectives.
✨Practice Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with senior stakeholders, practice articulating how you would build and maintain these relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced outcomes or collaborated across teams, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
