Director Commercial Operations

A high-growth, UK-based advanced manufacturing business is building a critical domestic capability in battery cell production, supporting defence, energy, and industrial electrification. As part of its next phase of growth, the organisation is seeking a Commercial Director (Defence) to establish and lead its defence commercial function. This is a foundational role with significant influence over strategy, customer engagement, and long-term revenue generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop 5-8 priority defence accounts
• Progress opportunities through complex procurement processes
• Map stakeholders and decision-makers
• Drive accounts towards paid evaluation and agreements
• Build relationships with defence primes and integrators
• Provide market intelligence
• Prepare accounts for negotiation

Experience Required

Essential

• 10+ years in defence or complex B2G/B2B environments
• Experience with MOD or defence primes
• Track record closing £1m+ deals
• Experience with RFIs, RFQs
• Ability to build relationships from scratch

Desirable

• Battery, energy, or manufacturing experience
• Scale-up experience
• Security clearance (SC/DV)
• Government networks

Key Skills

• Stakeholder management
• Commercial discipline
• Strong communication
• Ability to manage long sales cycles
• Political awareness
• Self-sufficient working style

Personal Attributes

• Persistent and resilient
• Calm under pressure
• Proactive and decisive
• Entrepreneurial mindset.