Job Description

On behalf of the MOD, we are currently on the lookout for a for a Strategic Partnership Director (Inside IR35) for a hybrid contract to run up until 1/4/26 based out of London or Bristol (3 days in the office and 2 days homebased).



The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a central government department with a mission to protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence, as well as helping to protect its values and interests abroad.



The MOD is one of the biggest public procurement organisations in Europe and the single largest customer for UK industry. It currently manages approximately 20 billion of spend on capital investments in equipment and infrastructure every year. Over the next decade the MOD is committed to spending over 190 billion on equipment and support. The MOD's customers include both the armed forces and national security agencies, and it has a diverse range of requirements, including military fighting vehicles, education services, nuclear submarines and facilities management.



The MOD's aim is to provide its armed forces with the best capabilities to enable them to protect the UK's security and advance national interests, both now and in the long term.



To do this the MOD has an annual budget of almost 53 billion and a workforce comprising 197,000 people. of which 54,000 are civilians working for the UK MOD.



The work really matters; the MOD offers a range of engaging roles which have a direct impact on the quality of services they provide, in many locations across the UK. We support teams working in HR, Primary Health Care, Corporate Services, and many others.



As a Strategic Partnership Director, your main responsibilities will be:



Strategic Delivery: Drive implementation of the collaboration and partnership elements of the DIS, including: Establishing and supporting the operation of the DIJC. Creating new strategic partnerships across Defence and industry. Leading early market engagement initiatives. Supporting industrial and supply chain productivity improvements. Programme Leadership: Manage the Industry Collaboration Workstream within DSCCP, ensuring alignment with broader programme goals and Defence reform priorities. Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships across Defence, industry, academia, and government to foster trust, transparency, and shared purpose. Barrier Resolution: Identify and address systemic barriers to collaboration, proposing and implementing solutions that enable reform and innovation. Monitoring & Reporting: Track progress against DIS commitments, providing regular updates and insights to senior stakeholders. Representation: Act as a senior representative of Defence in external engagements, promoting the values and strategic direction of the MOD

Essential:

Defence Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of the UK defence sector, including its operational, commercial, and strategic challenges Change Leadership: Proven track record of delivering major change and reform within large, complex organisations SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance. Influence & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence at senior levels Organisational change and experience with operating model implementation or oversight of implementation

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.



This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



Armed Forces Covenant



The MOD guarantees to interview?veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we?will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.