Head of Content - Defence

dmg events; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading events organization is seeking a Head of Content to lead the development and delivery of high-quality conference content for the Africa Defence Exhibition. This role involves strategizing content initiatives, overseeing speaker management, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Strong experience in the defence sector and exceptional communication skills are required, with multilingual skills seen as advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in defence, security, or major international conference production.
• Strong global network within defence ministries, OEMs, and military leadership.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, development, and delivery of conference and exhibition content.
• Develop long-term content strategy for Africa’s premier defence exhibition.
• Oversee speaker management and advisory boards to ensure program relevance.

Skills

Defence and security expertise

Stakeholder management

Multilingual communication

Job description

As Head of Content for the Africa Defence Exhibition, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of world‑class conference and exhibition content that positions the event as the premier defence and security platform on the African continent. Reporting to the Portfolio Director, and based in London, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the content strategy across all event initiatives – from the main exhibition and high‑level summits to thought‑leadership programmes, strategic round‑tables, and digital content campaigns.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a long‑term content strategy that strengthens the event’s positioning as Africa’s premier defence exhibition.
• Map the global and regional defence and security ecosystems to ensure the event’s programme reflects cutting‑edge developments and geopolitical priorities.
• Align content strategy with dmg events’ global portfolio objectives and regional market intelligence.
• Conduct ongoing research and stakeholder engagement across government, military, and industry to identify emerging defence trends and priorities.
• Support the Portfolio Director in defining the event’s market positioning and value proposition across its conferences, summits, and partner activities.
• Lead the creation of high‑value conference programmes, plenary sessions, and sector‑specific forums featuring defence ministers, chiefs of staff, OEM executives, and innovation leaders.
• Drive the year‑round content agenda through white‑papers, webinars, and digital series to extend the event’s impact beyond the exhibition.
• Oversee all speaker management, advisory boards, and content partnerships, ensuring programmes are balanced, diverse, and influential.
• Collaborate closely with commercial, marketing, PR, and digital teams to maximise audience acquisition, sponsorship opportunities, and content monetisation.
• Curate content offerings that drive measurable ROI – including paid summits, executive sessions, and digital sponsorship packages.
• Support the event’s brand growth through authored articles, thought leadership, and participation in international defence dialogues.
• Build and maintain senior‑level relationships with ministries of defence, armed forces, OEMs, defence associations, think tanks, and strategic partners.
• Establish and manage the event’s advisory board, ensuring geographic and sectoral diversity and ongoing relevance.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

• Proven experience in defence, security, or major international conference production.
• Strong global network within defence ministries, OEMs, and military leadership.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to translate market insights into impactful programmes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, globally connected environment.
• Multilingual – English, French & Arabic (advantageous).

Travel Requirements

You should be open to international travel, as required by the job role.

Equal Opportunity

dmg events is an equal opportunity employer.
If you have not had feedback from us within 14 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful for this round.