Head of Defence Development

• Hours:
  
  37 hours per week (full time)
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Salary:
  Grade 12 - £55,949 to £59,907
• Location:
  
  Sheffield (hybrid working)

South Yorkshire has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and innovation, making it well placed to play a significant role in supporting the UK s evolving defence sector. As investment, technology and national priorities continue to shape the future of defence, there is a unique opportunity to strengthen South Yorkshire s position as a key destination for businesses, innovation and supply chain growth.

At SYMCA, we re committed to supporting sectors that have the potential to create high-value jobs, attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth. This role offers the chance to work at the heart of that ambition, helping to shape the future of the Defence sector across South Yorkshire and ensuring the region is recognised for its expertise, capabilities and potential.

Interviews will be held
- Friday 2nd October 2026 - In person

Please Note:

Security Clearance Requirement

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. Employment will be subject to satisfactory completion of the relevant pre-employment checks.

As SYMCA s lead specialist for Defence, you will provide strategic leadership to support the growth and development of the sector across South Yorkshire. Working with businesses, government departments, academic institutions and investment partners, you will help identify opportunities, develop partnerships and create the conditions needed for businesses to innovate, grow and invest. Acting as both a sector champion and trusted advisor, you will influence regional priorities, shape future opportunities and ensure South Yorkshire is well positioned to benefit from developments across the defence landscape.

• Lead the development and delivery of a clear vision and growth strategy for South Yorkshire's Defence sector.
• Build strong relationships with businesses, government bodies, universities, investors and other key stakeholders.
• Identify and secure opportunities for investment, innovation and sector growth across the region.
• Champion South Yorkshire s strengths and capabilities within regional, national and sector-specific forums.
• Develop programmes and initiatives that support business expansion, innovation and supply chain development.
• Provide expert insight and strategic advice to help inform future policy, investment and economic development decisions.

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of the factors that drive sector growth, investment and innovation. Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and decision-makers, you will be skilled at spotting opportunities, building consensus and turning ambitious ideas into deliverable outcomes.

Whether your background is in defence, advanced manufacturing, economic development, investment, government or a related sector, you will bring a commercial mindset and a genuine passion for helping businesses and places succeed. You ll enjoy working across organisational boundaries, influencing diverse stakeholders and creating opportunities that deliver long-term benefits for South Yorkshire s economy and communities.

• Significant experience of developing and delivering sector growth strategies, economic development initiatives or major partnership programmes.
• Strong knowledge of the Defence sector and the opportunities and challenges shaping its future.
• A proven ability to build productive relationships across business, academia, government and investment communities.
• Experience of securing investment, attracting funding or developing compelling growth and investment propositions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and advise senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and programme management skills, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes in complex environments.

If you re excited by the opportunity to shape the future of South…