Within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) provides a route to market internationally for the UKs defence, security, cyber and maritime industries as well as attracting foreign investment. We provide specialist advice and assistance to business, in partnership with industry bodies and other Government departments.

Support to the defence, security, cyber and maritime sectors is strategically important to the UK. Their health and continued growth contribute significantly to our national prosperity. In addition, the nature of these sectors, and the stakeholders involved, mean they are fundamental to the UKs national security and wider diplomatic and economic interests around the world. Beyond seeking to grow our economy, defence, security, and cyber exports are also critical to enabling industry to develop the capabilities needed to not only reinforce our own security, but also help our allies bolster theirs.

Within UKDSE, the Security & Cyber Team provide capability expertise and strategic planning to support the delivery of campaigns that enable UK companies to win business overseas. We are a small UK-based team, supported by an extended network of experienced staff in British Embassies and High Commissions overseas. This allows us to offer far-reaching, tailored export support to our many stakeholders.

The cyber security sector which is dominated by small businesses, but with a small number of large prime companies - continue to grow at a rapid pace. As such, we need someone to lead on our strategy, engagement and trade promotion work for the sector. 

As the Assistant Head for Cyber Security Exports, you will: 

Work with colleagues in DBT to drive a strategic plan for cyber security exports

• Use intelligence and open-source reporting to identify and develop plans for strategic export campaigns.
• Develop a virtual portfolio office for cyber security exports to manage these campaigns effectively, in partnership with regional and cross-government colleagues.
• Identify and promote best practice from across DBT to support cyber security exporters.
• Work with specialist country and capability advisors to develop a programme of activities at events, exhibitions and online that will:
  • promote UK cyber security companies internationally, and
  • raise the profile of DBTs support offer domestically.
• Work collaboratively across the team to ensure that senior officials (such as the Director UKDSE and UK Cyber Security Ambassador) are properly supported and deployed to support UK growth.
• Manage briefings for Ministers and Senior Officials on the cyber security sector, including responses to Parliamentary Questions and FOI requests, as well as other commissions from Private Offices, as required.

Partner with other Government departments to ensure DBTs work supports HMGs cyber security strategy

• Lead the implementation of DBTs commitments under the 2021 National Cyber Strategy (especially in relation to the Ecosystem and Global Leadership pillars), providing regular updates and reporting progress in a timely manner.
• Develop positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues in other Government departments, in pursuit of team, departmental and HMG objectives.
• Champion support to UK cyber security companies across the Department and Government. 

Support the growth of the UK cyber security sector through partnering with external organisations and companies

• Develop positive and collaborative relationships with the sectors trade associations and other key interlocutors, to ensure the support available meets the needs of the UK cyber security industry.
• Support senior officials with briefing and advice at external engagements, including the Ministerially-chaired Cyber Growth Partnership and deputising when required. 

Essential Criteria

• An understanding of cyber security capabilities.
• Demonstrable ability to develop close relationships with partners inside and outside their organisation.
• Ability to lead and influence outside of formal line management structures.
• Strong business planning and organisational skills.
• Good written and oral communication to brief internally and externally about the teams work.
• Holds, or is able to attain, DV STRAP security clearance, to enable them to operate effectively with our national security partners. 

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with industry.
• Ability to talk to the business community confidently and knowledgeably.
• Familiarity with the issues surrounding trading internationally.
• Experience of working internationally.
• A formal project or programme management qualification.

Personal Attributes & Skills

This role would particularly suit an individual who is interested in working in a high-profile Government Department at the intersection of growth and national security. 

Given that the successful candidate will be tasked with raising the profile of both our work and the sector, strong leadership and communication skills will be essential.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.

Job contact :

• Name : Simon Goatcher
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]