Market Director Defense

Atkins Realis Group; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Atkins Realis Group in Saudi Arabia seeks a senior leader to shape and execute a defense market strategy aligning regional and global objectives. You will identify trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities to strengthen the position across the Middle East.

Collaborating with Secure Government leadership, OEMs, and design & build contractors, you will drive growth, manage P&L, forecast pipelines, and lead a high-performing team to deliver value and long-term partnerships.

Qualifications

• Extensive Defence or Secure Government sector experience with growth responsibilities.
• Senior leadership experience with P&L responsibility and multi-project delivery.
• Strong commercial acumen, risk management and profitability focus.
• Deep understanding of market dynamics, competitors, and positioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive Defense market strategy aligned with regional and global objectives.
• Identify market trends regulatory developments and competitive positioning.
• Drive growth through mega trends cross-market synergies and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with Secure Government leadership to define and deliver priorities.
• Build and maintain senior executive relationships with defence ministries and OEMs.
• Lead forecasting pipeline management and performance tracking.
• Own market P&L and ensure high-quality, timely project delivery.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master’s degree (MBA or relevant field)

Professional accreditation (CEng, PE, PMP)

Job description

Your role

Market Strategy & Growth

Develop and execute a comprehensive Defense market strategy aligned with regional and global business objectives

Identify and respond to market trends regulatory developments and competitive positioning

Drive growth by leveraging mega trends cross-market synergies and strategic initiatives

Collaborate with Secure Government leadership to define and deliver market priorities

Client Leadership & Market Development

Build and sustain senior executive relationships across host nation Defence ministries and agencies

OEMs and Design & Build Contractors

Act as executive sponsor for key accounts ensuring long-term strategic partnerships

Drive business development increasing market share through new opportunities and strategic partnerships

Champion the full breadth of AtkinsR alis services to maximise client value

Operational & Financial Performance

Own and deliver market financial performance including revenue profitability EBITDA and margin targets

Lead forecasting pipeline management and performance tracking

Ensure high-quality timely and commercially successful project delivery

Oversee financial governance including cost control and risk management

Leadership & People

Lead inspire and develop a high-performing and inclusive team

Align resource planning with market growth forecasts and project pipelines

Support talent development succession planning and capability building

Foster a culture of collaboration innovation and continuous improvement

Commercial & Risk Management

Maintain accountability for market P&L and commercial performance

Evaluate contractual financial and operational risks ensuring compliance with regional regulations

External Representation & Thought Leadership

Act as the face of AtkinsR alis within the Defence sector across the Middle East

Represent the business at industry events conferences and client forums

Drive brand positioning through thought leadership and strategic engagement

Additional Responsibilities

Identify regional sector growth opportunities aligned with national strategies

Develop and deliver sector plans in collaboration with service and business leaders

Lead or contribute to major bids and pursuits within the region

Provide market intelligence and insights to inform strategic decision-making

Strengthen client satisfaction by responding to account feedback and enhancing delivery

Promote best practice sharing across projects programmes and accounts

Leverage internal networks to deliver integrated innovative solutions

About you

Experience & Expertise

Extensive experience within the Defence or Secure Government sector. Proven track record in a senior leadership role with responsibility for growth, P&L, and team leadership. Demonstrated success in winning and delivering major programmes and strategic pursuits. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk and drive profitability. Deep understanding of market dynamics, competitors, and positioning strategies.

Leadership & Skills

Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. Ability to influence at executive level and build long-term client relationships. Strategic thinker with strong execution capability. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related discipline (mandatory). Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or relevant field) preferred. Professional accreditation (e.g., CEng, PE, PMP) is advantageous.

Additional Requirements

Established client network across KSA, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait strongly preferred. Experience operating within Secure Government environments. Willingness to travel across the Middle East as required. Arabic language skills are an advantage.