At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in government and defence across Europe, building key customer relationships.
- Company: Join World Fuel, a leader in global government solutions with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for international engagement.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on mission-critical operations and strategic growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of government operations while making a real impact in defence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in business development or government contracting with strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
At World Fuel, our employees are the key to our global success.
We are industry leaders due to the innumerable talents of our approximately 5000 strong professional team.
Our people thrive in an entrepreneurial and culturally-diverse environment, where innovative thinking, collaboration and efficient execution are highly valued.
Our high-performance culture is what allows us to drive sustained growth.
Stronger together, we promote an environment where individuals can thrive.
- Director Government & Defence Solutions | EMEA
- Lead Strategic Defence & Government Growth Across Europe
World Fuel Government Solutions is seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Director, Government & Defence Solutions (EMEA) to expand and strengthen our government and defence business across Europe.
This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for developing key customer relationships, growing strategic government accounts, identifying new opportunities, and leading complex pursuits across defence, military, NATO, and government organisations throughout the region.
The successful candidate will serve as a trusted partner to customers, helping shape long-term fuel, logistics, and operational support solutions while driving sustainable revenue growth and expanding World Fuel's presence across the government and defence sector.
This role is based in London (Canary Wharf) and requires regular in-person engagement with customers, stakeholders, and colleagues.
Why This Role Matters
World Fuel Government Solutions supports some of the world's most complex government, military, defence, aviation, and logistics operations.
As Director, Government & Defence Solutions (EMEA), you will play a critical role in strengthening relationships with key customers while driving strategic growth across Europe.
You will help shape the future of our government business, working directly with senior defence, procurement, logistics, operational, and executive stakeholders.
This is an opportunity to influence both regional growth strategy and the successful delivery of mission-critical government programs.
What You'll Do
- Drive Strategic Growth Across EMEA
- Develop and execute growth strategies across the European government and defence market.
- Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities.
- Expand market share within key government and military sectors.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of strategic opportunities.
- Grow existing government and defence accounts while identifying new opportunities across fuel, aviation, logistics, and operational support services.
- Lead Strategic Customer Relationships
- Serve as the senior commercial relationship lead for key government and defence accounts.
- Build trusted relationships with procurement, logistics, operations, program, and executive stakeholders.
- Develop account strategies that drive long-term growth and customer success.
- Act as the primary point of escalation and executive engagement for major customers.
- Build and expand relationships across NATO, NSPA, Ministries of Defence, defence agencies, and strategic government customers throughout Europe.
- Lead Complex Pursuits & Contracts
- Support capture and pursuit strategies for major government and defence opportunities.
- Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
- Coordinate internal teams during bid, proposal, and contract execution activities.
- Support successful contract transitions and implementation efforts.
- Contribute to framework agreements, tenders, and strategic growth initiatives.
- Influence Market Strategy
- Monitor government procurement activity, defence spending priorities, competitor activity, and emerging market opportunities.
- Identify trends that may impact future business growth.
- Partner with leadership to shape regional market strategies and business priorities.
- Collaborate Across the Business
- Work closely with Operations, Supply, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Government Solutions teams.
- Ensure customer commitments are successfully delivered.
- Support customer retention and growth initiatives.
- Drive a culture of accountability, customer focus, and execution excellence.
What We're Looking For
- Required Experience
- 10+ years of progressive experience in business development, sales, account management, government contracting, or strategic customer leadership.
- Demonstrated success growing complex government, military, defence, logistics, aviation, transportation, energy, or operational support accounts.
- Proven track record of winning and expanding strategic government business.
- Experience navigating complex procurement and contracting environments.
- Strong commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders across operations, procurement, logistics, and executive leadership functions.
- Ability to influence and build credibility within complex stakeholder environments.
- Highly Preferred
- Experience supporting NATO, NSPA, UK Ministry of Defence, European defence agencies, defence primes, or government support contractors.
- Knowledge of European government procurement and contracting frameworks.
- Experience within fuel, aviation, defence logistics, transportation, military sustainment, operational services, or adjacent sectors.
- Existing network of government, defence, procurement, logistics, or military stakeholders across Europe.
- Experience supporting complex bids, tenders, framework agreements, and long-term government programs.
- Who Thrives in This Role
You are someone who
- Builds trust quickly with senior stakeholders.
- Enjoys developing long-term strategic relationships.
- Balances commercial growth with operational execution.
- Is resilient and effective in complex environments.
- Can influence without direct authority.
- Understands how to navigate large government and defence organisations.
- Enjoys solving customer challenges and creating long-term value.
- Operates effectively across multiple countries, cultures, and stakeholder groups.
Why Join World Fuel Government Solutions?
- Lead growth across one of the most strategically important sectors in our business.
- Work directly with defence, military, NATO, and government organisations throughout Europe.
- Shape regional strategy and influence key customer relationships.
- Join a collaborative team supporting mission-critical operations around the world.
- Gain exposure to complex international programs, strategic pursuits, and executive-level engagement.
- Make a direct impact on how governments and defence organisations are supported across Europe.
- #WFS
- #LI-TB1
Director Government & Defence Solutions | Emea in London employer: World Fuel Services
World Fuel Services Europe, Ltd. is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Canary Wharf, London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer numerous opportunities for advancement while providing competitive benefits and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence in aviation fuel supply management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Government & Defence Solutions | Emea in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like World Fuel Services, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like World Fuel Services and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Government & Defence Solutions | Emea in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for World Fuel Services and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at World Fuel Services
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with World Fuel Services, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for World Fuel Services.
