Head of MSU

Job Overview

MBDA is launching its Corporate University – the Missile Systems University (MSU) – to deliver weapon systems knowledge and technology to domestic and export customers. We are seeking a Head of MSU (UK) to lead the UK arm, develop strategy, and oversee contractual commitments while supporting global defence programmes.

• Develop and implement the UK MSU strategy in line with MBDA’s global vision.
• Support export contract wins by providing compelling Transfer of Knowledge solutions.
• Ensure successful delivery of customer commitments, realistic bids, and risk assessment.
• Identify and mitigate contractual and delivery risks to avoid penalties and protect financial performance.
• Escalate financial and reputational risks proactively with mitigation or recovery plans.
• Create new learning and capability‑building offerings for international clients.
• Lead a small specialist team and external partner network.
• Represent MSU UK in HR, workforce planning, and governance bodies, ensuring MSU priorities are visible and arbitrated.
• Act as the official MSU UK representative to UK export customers and partners.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with UK academic institutions, military organisations, training authorities, and research bodies, ensuring no uncontrolled contractual, IP, export, or reputational risks arise.

• Significant leadership experience in defence, aerospace, engineering, or another highly regulated sector with direct accountability for delivery and teams.
• Proven success in programme delivery, customer engagement, and team leadership.
• Experience working on export programmes, with international customers, and complex contractual frameworks.
• Track record of business development, bid activities, or contract capture.
• Experience managing financial risk, margins, and penalty exposure with strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, academic institutions, military organisations, and industry partners.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel extensively internationally – up to a week per month, primarily across Europe and elsewhere.

• Salary:
  Circa £85,000, depending on experience.
• Company bonus: up to 30% of base salary.
• Car allowance and private medical insurance (enrollment standard).
• Employer and employee pension contributions up to 14% of total salary.
• Enhanced parental leave – up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, with additional options for paternity, neonatal leave, and fertility treatments.
• Site facilities: subsidised meals, free car parking, and additional amenities.

Primary site:
Stevenage, Hertfordshire (hybrid working, with onsite presence as required). Extensive international travel – up to a week per month – is expected.

British citizenship is required for security clearance. All candidates must undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) prior to offer completion.