Market Director Defense

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, OEM s, 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.