Market Director – Defense

Job Description

Overview

The Market Director – Defense is a senior leadership role responsible for driving market strategy, business growth, client engagement, and portfolio performance across the Middle East region.

This role is pivotal in shaping and executing the Defense market strategy, delivering sustainable revenue growth, and strengthening AtkinsRéalis’ position as a trusted partner to host nation Defence ministries and agencies, OEM’s, and Design & Build Contractors. The Market Director will lead strategic client engagement, foster innovation, and drive operational excellence in alignment with the company’s long-term vision and values.

You will be accountable for all market-facing activities across the Defence portfolio, leveraging regional and global capabilities to expand market share and increase addressable spend.

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 AtkinsRéalis’ 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 AtkinsRéalis 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.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Medical insurance.
• Annual leave balance.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Annual flight contribution.
• Transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Worker Type

Job Type

AtAtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.