Global Head of Partnerships

Willis Global Ltd; London; Remote; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence company is seeking a Global Head of Partnerships to drive growth in the aerospace and defence sectors. This fully remote role is crucial for developing strategic partnerships and managing high-value contracts across key markets. The ideal candidate will possess executive-level experience and a proven track record in relationship management.

Benefits

Performance-based incentive package

Option to work in London workspace if required

Qualifications

• Held a senior executive-level role within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience engaging with decision makers at major primes and securing defence contracts.
• Proven ability to close multimillion-pound contracts.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to contract close across UK and European markets.
• Grow existing partnerships while executing strategies for new revenue.
• Represent the Company at major defence and aerospace exhibitions.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation

Relationship Management

Job description

Our client a next-generation defence company delivering critical supply chain, manufacturing and assembly solutions to the aerospace, space and defence sectors are recruiting for a Global Head of Partnerships which is a fully remote role with an option to work in a London workspace if required.

On Offer:

• An opportunity to join a rapidly expanding organisation which is well placed to service the aerospace and defence sectors
• Offering a salary of c.£80K, dependant on skills and experience
• Remote working
• Performance-based incentive package (high variable component)

Main Purpose of the Global Head of Partnerships:

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer, seeking an accomplished and execution-focused Global Head of Partnerships to build strategic, long-term, and commercially meaningful relationships across the UK and the core European markets. This is a high-impact individual contributor role for a senior professional with a proven network and ability to independently originate, negotiate, and close high-value contracts.

The successful candidate will grow and convert a qualified pipeline of aerospace and defence opportunities with primes and government buyers, while expanding strategic partnerships and bringing new partners into the business. They will be a trusted commercial face of the business in the UK and Europe, actively engaged in client relationships and key industry forums.

Key Accountabilities:

• Owning the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to contract close across UK and European markets
• Growing existing customer partnerships, while developing and executing strategies for net-new revenue
• Engaging directly with senior procurement, programme, and executive stakeholders at primes and government entities
• Driving forward deals aligned to strategic platforms, ensuring mutual value creation
• Championing the Company s differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality
• Providing commercial input to bid and pricing strategies in collaboration with CEO and Finance
• Representing the Company at major defence and aerospace exhibitions, industry events, and trade bodies
• Developing an active pipeline with clear prioritisation and accountability for progress
• Leading on deal diligence, qualification, and closure, including coordination of legal, technical, and operational inputs
• Feeding market insights, customer requirements, and competitor intelligence into our business and technological roadmap

To Be Considered:

• Held a Senior executive-level relevant role within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing

• The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate experience with access to decision makers at major primes (e.g., BAE, Airbus, Lockheed, Leonardo) and/or government buyers with securing defence contracts.

• Proven ability to structure and close multimillion-pound or euro long-term or framework agreements
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-led approach, and entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to work independently, transparently, and with full accountability to financial outcomes
• Deep understanding of customer needs, procurement dynamics, and value drivers in defence manufacturing
• Willing to travel regularly within Europe and the UK
• Ability to anticipate and interpret market needs, and translate them into commercial and strategic opportunities for growth

For full details contact Willis Global a leading Recruitment Consultancy for the Aviation & Aerospace Sector