Head of Defence Sector Development

Head of Defence Sector Development

Application Deadline: 13 September 2026

Department: Growth, Business and Skills

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Abbie Miladinovic

Compensation: £55,949 - £59,907 / year

Description

• 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

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.

About the role

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.

About you

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.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of our benefits include:

• Holiday Entitlement - From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave
• Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme - Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees' flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
• Professional Membership Fees - Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.