Job Description

Company Overview

CDS Defence & Security (CDS DS) is part of the Bailie Group a family-owned group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people's lives by sharing knowledge.


CDS DS is an industry leading technical consultancy delivering world class services in Support Engineering, Cyber Security & Information Assurance, Training & Leadership Development and Communications. We exist to make the world a safer place and do this by providing sophisticated training solutions, operational support, information assurance and engineering support to a breadth of clients within the defence and security domain.


With over 50 years' experience, we have a well-deserved reputation for providing our clients with complete peace of mind. From delivering forward-thinking training to the UK Armed Forces, to working in partnership with Tier 1 defence and security providers on some of the most significant defence programmes of recent years, the CDS DS name has become synonymous with trust, quality, collaboration, and truly visionary approach to the most complex of problems.

About the role

To meet our growth aspirations, we are currently looking for a full-time Client Engagement Lead to join our world-class team looking at the Army Training sector, where we are supporting the MoD directly and the Tier 1 defence primes, as well as major Tier 2 and 3 contractors.


This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and highly successful team at a mid to senior level and play an integral part in our big aspirations for growth and progress up the value chain. Reporting directly to the Head of Training & Learning Development (T&LD), this hybrid role includes a regular on-site presence at Army Training Regiment (Pirbright) (minimum two days per week) to maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. It supports client engagement, fosters strategic partnerships, and helps identify and shape future opportunities. By staying closely connected to the customer environment, the role plays a vital part in driving growth and ensuring our solutions remain relevant, responsive, and aligned to evolving requirements.

Responsibilities

Specifically, you will:

Maintain a consistent on-site presence at Army Training Regiment Pirbright (minimum two days per week), representing CDS DS, engaging with the Army customer and key stakeholders, and identifying emerging needs and areas for future collaboration. Support the Head of T&LD in shaping and managing a portfolio of client and project opportunities aligned with strategic growth goals. Expand CDS DS's presence across UK defence, security, and adjacent markets by strengthening client relationships and identifying areas where our services can add tangible value. Contribute to organisational growth by supporting the achievement of opportunity development targets and ensuring efficient use of time and resources. Provide timely insights and intelligence on client needs, competitor activity, and broader market trends to inform strategic planning and decision-making. Maintain a forward-looking view across near, mid-term, and long-term opportunities. Strengthen enduring partnerships with clients, ensuring continuity across service lines and alignment with evolving client objectives. Actively foster new relationships to support a diverse and resilient network of clients and collaborators, positioning CDS DS as a trusted and capable delivery partner. Operate as an integral member of the T&LD Leadership Team, supporting oversight of delivery activity and ensuring consistent quality and alignment with client expectations. In collaboration with the Head of Marketing, Business Unit Leads and Technical Leads, shape and refine the creation of high-quality promotional materials that reflect our offer, values, and relevance across the defence sector.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills, qualifications, and experience:

Have a proven track record of performing well in a sales role in a consultancy/professional services environment. Have recent experience of either working in the UK Armed Forces or working closely alongside in the Land & Training areas. Have a strong awareness of the following areas: + DSAT training methodologies
+ Future UK technology & training developments


You will also:

Have an existing network of customers and influential industry players to further influence and expand. Have the personal drive and appetite to grow a successful business further, able to achieve stretch targets and business development goals. Have the clarity of thought and ability to translate information technically and creatively, to formulate value propositions and winning strategies, spotting and developing competitive advantages for the company. Be flexible in approach, adaptable, tenacious in delivery and follow-through. Be a team player committed to success through nurturing the success of others. Be qualified to bachelor's degree level or equivalent. Have a high degree of commercial awareness. Hold or be capable of holding UKSV Security Clearance.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package Life Assurance Scheme 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) Onsite Parking Flexible working hours Cycle to work scheme Pension scheme Medicash

Hybrid & Homeworking

To ensure the health, safety & well-being of our employees, we have minimum standards for homeworking environments which must be maintained. Further details available on request.

Recruitment Agency Disclaimer:

Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) operates with a Preferred Suppliers list for recruitment agencies, which is reviewed periodically. When we choose to work with a preferred supplier, this supplier will be invited to support us in sourcing candidates for specific roles (submitted via a secure online portal).


Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) only pay agency fees where an authorised member of the HR/Recruitment team has provided prior instructions to the recruitment agency to work on our behalf with reference to a particular role. We do not accept unsolicited speculative CVs from recruitment agencies. Receipt of unsolicited CVs via email or any other online platforms does not imply an introduction to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop); therefore, no ownership of such candidates will be given. In the event that recruitment agencies submit unsolicited speculative CVs, we retain the right to contact, pursue and hire these candidates directly and consider them for current/future vacancies without any financial obligation to the recruitment agency in question. This will also apply to any CVs sent directly to line managers. Should you wish to be considered as a preferred supplier in the future or feel you have a niche skill set you can help with, then please send some company information to Recruitment@Bailiegroup.co.uk


Naturally, we receive a high level of interest from recruitment agencies, and as such, we will only contact you should we wish to discuss this further. Please refrain from sending multiple emails. Submission of any unsolicited speculative CVs to Bailie Group (including all operational companies under our parent company CDS, CDS Defence & Security, Newspress & Loop) will be deemed evidence of full and unlimited acceptance of this statement.