Defence Relationship Manager

East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional defence organisation is seeking a Defence Relationship Manager for a permanent full-time role in Chelmsford. This position involves delivering regional Employer Engagement activities and developing relationships with employers. Candidates should have experience in the commercial environment, along with excellent communication skills and a valid driving licence. The role offers a salary of £37,720 per annum, along with generous benefits including flexible working options and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Alternative working practices such as working from home

Up to 6 days Special Paid Leave for volunteering

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave

25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years

Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave

8 public holidays and extra leave for HM The King’s birthday

15 Days Special Leave for military reserve commitments

Employee Assistance Programme

Free on-site parking

Defined benefit Pension Scheme

Use of a pool car for business travel

Qualifications

• Experience in the commercial environment.
• Experience in event management and planning.
• Valid driving licence for self-driving required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver regional Employer Engagement (EE) activities.
• Develop effective relationships with employers.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and partner organisations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentational skills

Strong IT skills

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Permanent Full Time Defence Relationship Manager based in our headquarters in Chelmsford, Essex.

Role Summary

The Defence Relationship Manager (DRM) will report to the Head of Engagement and will be responsible for the regional delivery of Employer Engagement (EE) and development of effective working relationships with employers and the business community. The post holder will be required to forge strong relationships and work collaboratively and effectively with key stakeholders and partner organisations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful applicant will have experience of the commercial environment and of event management and planning; excellent communication, interpersonal and presentational skills; and strong IT skills.

The successful applicant will be required to travel throughout the East Anglia RFCA area of responsibility with occasional train travel to other RFCA regions. Applicants must have a valid driving licence in order to self–drive.

Remuneration and Benefits

This post is for 37 hours per week. This position attracts a current salary of £37,720 p.a. plus lots of additional benefits.

Additional benefits include:

• Alternative working practices such as working from home
• Up to 6 days Special Paid Leave for volunteering
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days after 5 years (previous HM Armed Forces service and previous service in the Public Sector may attract additional entitlement)
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
• 15 Days Special Leave a year period to for volunteer military reserve commitments
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• Free on-site parking
• Highly competitive defined benefit Pension Scheme
• Use of a pool car (subject to a full UK driving licence) for business travel

About the Organisation

East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) is an arms-length public body of the Ministry of Defence, mandated to give advice to the Defence Council, manage the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ estate, deliver community and employer engagement for Defence, and provide administration services to the Army Cadet Force.

Application Process

CVs and covering letters are to be returned to [e-mail] or via post to: DRM Vacancy, East Anglia RFCA, 250 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6BU

For enquiries, please contact us on the above details or via: earfca.org.uk 01245 244802 @EastAngliaRFCA

Closing date for applications is 1200hrs 02 February 2026. Interviews for selected candidates will be held 13 February 2026 with a view for the successful candidate to start in March / April 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.