As a specialist Defence head hunter it had started to become a concern to me that the MoD have been making dramatic cost cuts.
Many would have the view that the Defence industry has been hit hard over the last 12 months with major programmes such as FRES, Astute and Type 45 being delayed, leaving many senior managers and executives unsure where the next challenge lies.
In my opinion, the recruitment market at senior management to executive level is as buoyant as ever. Whether you are a Quality Director looking to implement Lean manufacturing processes to save money or a Business Development Director looking for the next UOR, there are still new opportunities and challenges out there.
If you look at some of the large prime contractors, historically their business interests have been in large Air, Land and Sea platforms. Now with more C2, ISTAR, Communications and ICT contracts being awarded by the MoD, these companies are looking to broaden their capabilities in all technology functions to make them future proof.
One thing for certain is that it is still very much a candidate driven market.
For companies to secure the services of the best people in the business, they need to proactively take these people from their competitors and not wait for them to arrive at the front entrance.
This is where PSD have been highly successful for a number of
years, working directly in partnership with leading UK and US
prime contractors assisting them in appointing into their
business critical hires.
It is important for head hunters to not only understand their clients requirements but understand the Defence market intimately, the clients business model and their long term ambitions so we can pre-empt the next move and to have resources readily available. |
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A recent assignment I completed was the appointment of a Technical Operations Director. The primary task for this person is the development of the existing engineering team into a systems engineering function with through-life capabilities. This is to be achieved through the development of existing engineers, resources and the recruitment of experienced professionals and high
calibre graduates.
No matter how bad the macroeconomic situation gets, Defence is always going to be a relatively stable and rewarding environment to work in. The technology is as cutting edge and exciting as any other industries and often leads the way with emerging technologies.
My advice to people who work or want to work within the industry is to always understand where the next challenge lies and anticipate this by learning new skills. If you are an Engineer, perhaps develop yourself in Programme Management. If you are a Business Development Manager build on your Strategy and Operational skills.
To those companies who are looking to recruit the best people, do not leave it to chance that this person will approach your organisation or for his/her CV to turn up on your desk from a CV database. It's a competitive market place, you need to be proactive and head hunt the people who are leading your competitors to success before someone else does.
If you are interested in working with PSD or you are looking for your next career challenge please contact:
Liam McDowell
Search Consultant
Defence, Aerospace & Homeland Security
PSD Group
Liam.mcdowell@psdgroup.com
+44 1293 802 041 |
