Deputy Head of the Defence Business Unit

Deputy Head of the Defence Business Unit

Southampton - Full-Time, On-Site - £40,000–£60,000 + Benefits

An exciting opportunity to combine your knowledge of ships and shipbuilding with international business development and defence projects.

Our client is part of a leading international shipbuilding group, renowned for designing and building innovative, high-performance aluminium vessels for defence, government and commercial customers worldwide.

With an established reputation and a growing presence in the UK defence sector, our client is expanding its team to support an ambitious pipeline of international opportunities.

We're looking for a Deputy Head of the Defence Business Unit to work closely with the Head of Defence, taking ownership of key international opportunities and helping drive the continued growth of the business.

This is a varied, high-profile position combining technical knowledge, customer engagement, business development and commercial responsibility. It's an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in marine engineering, naval architecture, shipbuilding or a related technical field who is looking to take the next step in their career.

The Role

You'll take the lead on selected defence opportunities, working with international customers to understand their requirements and develop suitable vessel solutions.

You'll work closely with our client's engineering, technical and commercial teams to turn customer requirements into proposals, present solutions to senior military and government representatives and help progress opportunities through to contract award.

You'll also support the wider management and development of the Defence Business Unit, deputising for the Head of Defence when required.

Key responsibilities will include:

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Leading selected international defence opportunities from initial discussions through to contract award.

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Building relationships with naval forces, defence ministries, government organisations and industry partners.

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Developing a strong understanding of our client's vessel portfolio, including vessel design, engineering, propulsion and onboard systems.

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Understanding customer requirements and working with engineering teams to develop suitable vessel solutions.

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Preparing and delivering presentations to senior military, government and industry customers.

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Identifying new markets and supporting international business development.

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Coordinating technical and commercial bids and proposals.

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Supporting commercial negotiations, contract discussions and risk assessments.

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Contributing to the strategy and development of the Defence Business Unit.

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Representing our client internationally, including customer meetings, shipyard visits and industry events.

What We're Looking For:

We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in ships, naval vessels and defence technology, who can confidently understand and discuss the technical capabilities of different vessels.

You might be a Marine Engineer, Naval Architect or have a wider engineering or shipbuilding background, looking to develop into a more commercially focused and senior position.

Ideally, you'll have:

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A degree in Naval Architecture, Engineering or a related technical discipline (preferred).

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Around 2–3 years' experience within marine, shipbuilding, naval, defence or a wider engineering environment.

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A good understanding of ships, their design, construction and operation.

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Experience or exposure to project management, business development, bids or customer-facing activities.

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Confidence communicating with technical and non-technical audiences and delivering presentations.

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Strong commercial awareness and an interest in developing international business opportunities.

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Excellent organisational, communication and relationship-building skills.

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A proactive approach, with the confidence to take ownership and work independently.

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Flexibility to travel internationally when required.

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Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC minimum) - essential.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone ambitious, commercially minded and keen to progress.

Someone who understands the technical side of the industry but wants the opportunity to develop relationships, influence major projects and make a real contribution to the growth of an international business!

Why Join?

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Career progression: An opportunity to develop into a senior leadership position within a growing UK business.

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Real responsibility: Take ownership of international opportunities and work directly alongside the Head of Defence.

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International exposure: Work with global customers, defence organisations and shipyards.

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Make an impact: Play an important role in developing our client's growing UK defence presence.

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Be part of an established international shipbuilding group with an exciting pipeline of opportunities.

The Package

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£40,000–£60,000 depending on experience.

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Incentivisation scheme.

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Private health cover.

Interested?

If you're looking for a role that combines your technical knowledge of the marine industry with business development, international opportunities and genuine career progression, we'd love to hear from you.

We look forward to hearing from you