Head of Development (Global Technology)

Babcock International; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Development (Global Technology) to lead strategic technology initiatives that contribute to national security. This full-time role offers hybrid working arrangements and requires extensive experience in R&D, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset. Candidates must hold Chartered Engineer status and a relevant degree, with a commitment to building an inclusive culture. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holidays and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Flexible working options

Employee share scheme

Access to a Digital GP

‘Be Kind Day’ for volunteering

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading R&D in industry or academia.
• Ability to build relationships across global functions.
• Experience dealing well with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and technical excellence in technology development.
• Manage projects turning promising technologies into solutions.
• Engage at strategic level while addressing technical details.

Skills

Leadership in research and development

Strong communication skills

Strategic mindset

Ability to work in dynamic environments

Education

Chartered Engineer status with a degree in science or engineering

Job description

Job Title: Head of Development (Global Technology)

Location: Hybrid, South West/Bristol Desirable

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

Role ID: SF70301

Lead strategic technology that powers national security - shape innovations that matter.

At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Head of Development Global Technology at Bristol Business Park, near Bristol, City of Bristol.

The role

As Head of Development Global Technology, you will set the strategic direction and lead a diverse portfolio of technology development initiatives that cut across defence, aerospace and engineering. It is a role with genuine impact: the products and services you enable contribute to national security and public infrastructure, while giving you scope to lead, learn and grow.

Day-to-day, your work will accelerate innovation, generate new intellectual property, and translate emerging technologies into real capabilities supporting our sectors and Direct Reporting Countries to deliver internal efficiencies, customer retention, market growth and entry into new markets.

• Lead the Technology Development pillar, setting strategy and ensuring technical excellence across a portfolio aligned to Babcock’s strategic technology themes.
• Identify, shape and manage projects that turn promising technologies into scalable, secure solutions for defence and critical national infrastructure.
• Engage and architect at strategic level while diving into technical detail to support the full technology lifecycle.
• Build collaborations across sectors and countries, validating partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises and academia to drive innovation.
• Champion outcomes, ensuring delivery that supports efficiencies, growth, and new market entry with strategically aligned products and services.

This role is full time, 37.5 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days in the office and days working from home.

Essential experience of the Head of Development (Global Technology)

• Extensive experience leading research and development in industry, customer-side or academia.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across functions and global territories.
• Proven success thriving in fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strategic mindset, curiosity and motivation to develop broad expertise across emerging technologies.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into high-level plans for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Qualifications for the Head of Development (Global Technology)

• Chartered Engineer status with a degree in science or engineering.

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading – buy additional leave or sell up to one working week of annual leave
• ‘Be Kind Day’ – one working day’s paid leave (or equivalent hours) a year to volunteer with your chosen organisation or registered charity
• Flexible working — more options to integrate work and personal life while meeting business needs
• A dynamic working environment

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing date: 05/01/2026