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Job summary
Thank you for your interest in the Head of International & Industry Cooperation role at DE&S
The global threat picture is ever changing and is becoming even more demanding given our adversaries’ intent. Across DE&S we strive to ensure the UK is able to meet its strategic aims for national security and foreign policy in the face of this challenge; to be ‘secure at home and strong abroad’.
We are in the midst of implementing our re-designed operating model to align with our strategy. We designed our new operating model using a ‘by us, for us’ approach; harnessing the insights of colleagues across the entire Defence Enterprise to ensure that everything we do adds most value to the front line, helping to keep the country safe and to protect our citizens.
The Gateway 1*s will work across the Gateway as one team, with international partners and allies, industry and across Defence to get upstream of requirements and commission programmes and projects that are operationally excellent.
The Head of International & Industry Cooperation (Hd I&IC) is responsible for leading and managing the International and Industry Capability Delivery centre of expertise within the DE&S Gateway. This includes leading MOD and DE&S’ strategic relationships with international allies and industry partners that relate to acquisition and materiel cooperation, as well as acting as the senior adviser and secretariat to the UK’s National Armaments Director (NAD).
Hd I&IC is a growing role, building on the foundations of the International Relations Group and as such, is expected to grow significantly in terms of budget and headcount from the current baseline. We need someone in the role who can operate at the highest levels in government, both in the UK and internationally, and work collaboratively with our industry partners.
As a senior leader in DE&S, you will also have a pivotal role in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish. This is an exciting time for DE&S, and we look forward to discussing with you how you might become part of our journey.
Job description
The Director Business Services has the following areas of responsibility:
- The Head of International and Industry Co-operation has the following areas of responsibility:
- Managing the International Capability Delivery centre of expertise (including policy owner for equipment related international arrangements and US export controls)
- Baseline for operational expenditure circa 3 million, with Portfolio expenditure of 2 million.
- Current baseline of circa 30 personnel based in the UK, France and Germany which is likely to increase.
- Act as the Defence representative for international organisations such as OCCAR, NATO, LOI ExCo, AUKUS Pillar 2, as well as bilateral engagements, and maintain close relationships with and influence international allies and position UK Defence well for long-term success.
- Inform and shape MOD strategic direction through subject matter expertise on European Defence and Technology Industrial Base and on EU initiatives on defence security.
- Provide advice and guidance to teams across DE&S and Defence on international acquisition delivery, Government to Government (G2G) exports, shaping the systems approach in project initiation, influencing in-service activity and seizing opportunities to achieve Defence outcomes.
- Provide recommendations, endorsement and choice to senior DE&S, Defence and Government stakeholders and Ministers to influence strategic Defence capability and prosperity decisions.
- Collaborating with wider Defence to design and implement the pan-Defence strategic engagement with industry partners.
- Leading people & developing and implementing change that will have a significant impact on the organisation.
- Identifying and seizing opportunities for Defence by making the most of our subject matter experts.
- Some of the roles and responsibilities of this role may change as part of Defence Reform outputs.
Person specification
To be successful with your application, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:
- A visible leader, with a proactive commitment to diversity and inclusion and demonstrable experience of creating and maintaining a psychologically safe and inclusive environment.
- A leader that empowers their teams, providing clear direction and respecting the valuable contributions they make – a ‘servant leader’.
- Ability to engage, influence and interact confidently, diplomatically and with credibility, with Ministerial and senior personnel, both within the UK and international industry & governments. Working collaboratively with these senior stakeholders with a sensitivity to political context.
Experience of working abroad (e.g. in an international organisation or an Embassy) with a focus on International programme management - Operating in a senior leadership role within a large and highly complex organization, in both steady state and through organisational change, working in multicultural teams, and operating in a representational role
- Knowledge of Defence and national security business strategy across MOD and wider government
Desirable Qualifications/ Skills
- Foreign language proficiency
For full information on the role please see the candidate pack.
