Head of Special Forces Vehicles
UK based
Full-time, Permanent
Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role:
As a senior leader within the Defence Management Team, the Head of Special Forces Vehicles plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of JFD’s Special Forces Vehicles Product Line. This position carries responsibility for the overall management of the portfolio and for partnering with Country General Managers to drive growth and deliver excellence across JFD’s home markets.
You will lead a global, multi‑disciplinary team to define and execute JFD’s Special Forces Vehicles strategy; ensure mission success for our customers; and achieve our operational, people and financial performance goals.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide strategic leadership for JFD’s global Special Forces Vehicles portfolio, working closely with Country General Managers to support success across our home markets.
- Shape and drive the Special Forces Vehicles strategy as a core member of the Defence Management Team, taking full ownership of its execution and delivery.
- Ensure mission success for our customers by consistently meeting - or exceeding - all contract performance commitments.
- Lead the profitable and sustainable growth of the Special Forces Vehicles business, collaborating effectively with Sales and Marketing teams to identify and deliver new opportunities.
- Achieve both short- and long‑term financial targets, ensuring accurate budgeting, forecasting and responsible cost management.
- Champion health, safety, environment, sustainability and security standards, holding direct accountability for the safety and wellbeing of Special Forces Vehicles personnel.
- Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory and organisational requirements, supported by Legal & Compliance and HSEQ functions.
- Inspire, lead and develop the Special Forces Vehicles team, fostering strong engagement and building a resilient, diverse and high‑performing workforce.
What we're looking for:
- Demonstrated experience in a leadership role in an international business.
- Expert knowledge of the Defence naval market.
- Operational experience in a maritime environment.
- Strong business and commercial acumen.
- Experienced negotiator, capable of agreeing long term strategic commercial benefit for the company.
- Ability to set and deliver short-, medium- and long-term strategies, budgets and resource plans.
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
About Us:
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc
For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc
James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry. Explore more about JFD
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!
Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.