South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority | South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Careers
Visit websitePosted 1h ago•Sheffield Head Office | Sheffield | South Yorkshire
Head of Defence Sector Development
HeadHybrid (Sheffield Head Office)€5,500 – €5,900 / mo
Required Skills
PythonSQLMachine LearningCI/CDAIProduct DesignInfrastructure as Code
Job Description
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.
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.
- 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
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
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.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
In this role, you will:
- 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.
Skills & Knowledge
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.
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- 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 Yorkshire's Defence sector and help deliver investment, innovation and economic growth for the region, we'd love to hear from you.
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