Head of Strategic Engagement (Air)

As a thought leader, the Head of Strategic Engagement (Air) is responsible for shaping future requirements for the air environment; developing and supporting the implementation of business growth strategies; utilising the full capability of the UK and US businesses; near-term and long-term capture of new business; and developing a trusted relationship with key customers. In addition, the Head of Strategic Engagement (Air) will:

• Establish and maintain enduring, inclusive relationships with key stakeholders, creating mutually beneficial partnerships and taking full advantage of internal and external synergies.
• Shape the debate and requirements for the future of the air operating environment
• Keep F-35 sold and protect the 138-aircraft programme of record, advocating for the platform’s capabilities and supporting the F-35 programme team’s activities in the UK. .
• Identify, develop and promote synergies and opportunities offered by current LM platforms and nascent capabilities, crewed and uncrewed, in Space, IAMD, C2, advanced weapons and other advanced capabilities emerging from Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
• Support high level capture campaigns with a focus on key customer priorities and concerns.
• Establish strong networks and structures to enhance collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s US based businesses to maximize the ability to win and grow business in the UK and overseas markets.
• Develop and manage customer and industry partnerships, as well as developing and executing contact plans leading to new business opportunity identification and qualification.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Broad multi-disciplined experience and an excellent understanding of the UK military, the Ministry of Defence, and the Defence planning process.
• Have a profound understanding of the air operating environment, the challenges facing the modern war fighter and the opportunity space for future business Experience that encompasses a defence and a commercial environment and can show demonstrable success in bringing large programmes of relevance through a business development cycle.
• Proven ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Commitment to ethical business conduct and working within diverse environments.
• Ability to obtain an MOD security clearance..

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Ideally ex-RAF from a combat air background with command experience of complex air operations.
• Ideally previously held a Defence capability development staff role

Personal Qualities:

• Have credibility with the customer in the air environment and be capable of building a trusted relationship with key stakeholders in short order.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with a geographically diverse team.
• Commercially astute with the ability to see business opportunities and take them through to a successful conclusion.
• Able to view a particular situation or campaign holistically and to be receptive to different viewpoints.
• Politically aware and able to recognise politics in campaigns and use that knowledge in an appropriate manner to achieve best effect.
• Have an excellent grasp of the culture and mindset of new and existing customers.
• Know the competition and how to use that knowledge to optimum effect.
• Strong team player with the ability where necessary to hold a team together under the most adverse conditions in a business development campaign.
• Good communication skills both written and spoken covering both one on one and group presentations.
• Innovative, resourceful and tenacious.
• Ability to influence key decision makers.
• High personal integrity and honesty.
• Results orientated with a focus on winning and retaining good business.
• Ability to engender trust and build enduring professional relationships.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Commitment to ethical business conduct and working within diverse environments