​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.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will own and develop key defence accounts, guiding them through long, high-value sales cycles and towards commercial agreements.

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.