AMS PSR

On behalf of the MOD, we are currently building a pipeline for an upcoming opportunity for a Deputy Director (Inside IR35) for a hybrid contract to run up until 1/4/26 based out of Bristol or London (3 days office and 2 days homebased)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a central government department with a mission to protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence, as well as helping to protect its values and interests abroad.

The MOD is one of the biggest public procurement organisations in Europe and the single largest customer for UK industry. It currently manages approximately £20 billion of spend on capital investments in equipment and infrastructure every year. Over the next decade the MOD is committed to spending over £190 billion on equipment and support. The MOD’s customers include both the armed forces and national security agencies, and it has a diverse range of requirements, including military fighting vehicles, education services, nuclear submarines and facilities management.

The MOD’s aim is to provide its armed forces with the best capabilities to enable them to protect the UK’s security and advance national interests, both now and in the long term.

To do this the MOD has an annual budget of almost £53 billion and a workforce comprising 197,000 people. of which 54,000 are civilians working for the UK MOD.

The work really matters; the MOD offers a range of engaging roles which have a direct impact on the quality of services they provide, in many locations across the UK. We support teams working in HR, Primary Health Care, Corporate Services, and many others.

As a Deputy Director, your main responsibilities will be:

Strategic Leadership & Support to Director:

• Deputise for the Director, representing DOSBG at executive and ministerial levels as required, working closely with the Civil Service lead for Strategy.
• Shape and execute the strategic direction of DOSBG, ensuring alignment to Small Business needs and HMG objectives for SME growth in Defence.

Industry Engagement & Relationship Building:

• Develop and maintain robust relationships with SMEs, trade associations, incubators, accelerators, regional clusters and large Prime suppliers, fostering mutual growth and opportunity.
• Champion the role of SMEs in Defence at national events, panels, and forums, acting as a visible and credible advocate.

Programme Development & Delivery

• Guide the implementation and development of services offered by the DOSBG up to initial launch (Jan 26) and onto full operating capability (Dec 26).
• Build a high performance mixed civil service industry team over this as we grow from 5 FTE to 30 plus on the pathway to FOC
• Design and deliver programmes to support SME entry, growth, and retention, including skills support, funding streams, and access to supply chain opportunities.
• Lead development and implementation of best-practice engagement models between SMEs and Prime suppliers.

Policy Influence & Advocacy:

• Work with MOD commercial, policy, and delivery teams to shape procurement and contracting policies that lower barriers for small business participation.
• Lead stakeholder consultations, gathering insights from SMEs to inform and improve Defence procurement policies.

Operational Oversight & Performance Monitoring:

• Oversee delivery of key targets for SME engagement, helping to measure impact and reporting to MOD senior leadership and Ministers.
• Manage resources, budgets, and staff within DOSBG as appropriate.

Communications & Championing:

• Serve as a powerful communicator, internally and externally, developing and delivering strategic messaging on DOSBG priorities, impacts, and opportunities.
• Lead promotion of case studies, success stories, and best practice both within the MOD and externally

Essential:

• Commercial Acumen: Strong grasp of Defence commercial, contracting, and procurement practices. Understanding of SME business models (start-up, scale-up, growth) and the supply chain landscape. Ability to analyse market trends and identify opportunities for SMEs.
• Executive Leadership & Strategic Thinking: Ability to set vision and strategy for SME growth in Defence. Experienced in influencing and inspiring high-performing teams and diverse stakeholders. Strategic planning and programme management.
• Demonstrated ability to delivering change through strategic talent sourcing initiatives, driving continuous improvement and measurable impact
• Familiar with building high performing teams
• SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance. 

Desirable:

• Understanding of digital enablement services

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

The MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following “this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.