Managing Director – Defence, Aerospace & Advanced Tech

About the role

Our client, an innovative technology company, is expanding its UK operations and seeks a commercially focused Managing Director to lead the next phase of growth in defence, aerospace, security and autonomous systems.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the long‑term growth strategy for the UK business.
• Build and nurture relationships across UK defence, aerospace and government sectors.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities with organisations such as MOD, Dstl, DASA, Innovate UK, UK Space Agency, ESA and major defence primes.
• Lead the preparation of winning technical and commercial proposals.
• Oversee delivery of complex, customer‑funded R&D programmes.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary engineering and programme teams, recruiting and mentoring future leaders.
• Manage operational performance, budgets, forecasting and resource planning.
• Ensure compliance with quality, export‑control, regulatory and security requirements.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events and conferences.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and technical excellence.

Required profile

• Senior leadership experience growing technology‑focused businesses within defence, aerospace or security environments.
• Proven track record of commercial growth and winning large‑scale programmes.
• Strong relationships with government bodies, prime contractors and industry partners.
• Experience managing complex R&D and engineering delivery programmes.
• Knowledge of export‑control, regulatory and security compliance.
• Ability to recruit, develop and mentor senior technical talent.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Travel required