Strategic Account Director, Defence & Manufacturing

Wallace Hind Talent Solutions; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to c£17,500 Annual Bonus

Car Allowance of £6,500 per annum

25 Days Holiday

Job summary

Wallace Hind Selection seeks an Account Director to lead a major customer partnership within the UK Defence sector. You will act as the senior commercial lead, strengthening partnerships, driving profitable growth and ensuring your team delivers exceptional service.

You will shape account strategy, identify opportunities, and collaborate across functions to ensure delivery excellence and long-term value for the client and the business.

Qualifications

• Experience leading customer-facing teams within contract manufacturing or technical subcontracting.
• Track record managing large, complex strategic accounts with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring abilities with evidence of developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop a team of three Account Managers.
• Own a key customer partnership worth ~£20m to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Build and maintain executive relationships across customer organisations.
• Champion collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Quality and Commercial teams.
• Drive account planning, commercial reviews and growth opportunities.
• Partner with the Managing Director to shape commercial strategy and long-term planning.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting.
• Develop succession, capability and performance plans for your team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Coaching and development

Stakeholder management

Forecasting and budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Wallace Hind Selection seeks an Account Director to lead a major customer partnership within the UK Defence sector. You will act as the senior commercial lead, strengthening partnerships, driving profitable growth and ensuring your team delivers exceptional service.

You will shape account strategy, identify opportunities, and collaborate across functions to ensure delivery excellence and long-term value for the client and the business.