SMI Job Opportunities - Director for the Maritime Defence & Security Group

An exciting job opportunity has opened at SMI. We are looking for a Director for the Maritime Defence & Security Group

About the role

The role is the Director for the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) Maritime Defence & Security Group, one of 6 interest groups of the Society of Maritime Industries. This is a key role within the SMI team and the candidate will need to work closely with colleagues to drive the continued growth of the organisation and support the members.

Candidate Specification

The role involves working closely with SMI members via the MDSG Council but also across the entire membership advising and connecting companies on matters relating to defence programmes. The role leads on SMI’s work in the defence sector so it is expected the candidate will have a deep working knowledge of MoD defence procurement. Close liaison will also be required with the National Shipbuilding Office.

Accountability

The Director is formally appointed by the SMI Board and reports to the SMI Chief Executive who is their line manager. In addition, the Director will be guided by the Chair of the Maritime Defence and Security Group Council in the administration and provision of services to the Group, within the constraints of available resources set by the SMI Board.

Duties and Responsibilities

Membership of the Society’s executive management team.

Attendance, as a non-voting observer, at the quarterly meetings of the SMI Board.

Director for the Maritime Defence and Security Group, including:

• Acting as Secretariat to the MDSG Council.
• Seeking the views of the Group’s members on specific topics and represent their individual or collective opinions as appropriate, liaising with the SMI Chief Executive on parliamentary or ministerial engagement.
• Keeping the Group’s members informed of all matters of interest, including government, industry and marketing matters and the Society’s wider activities.
• Ensure that the Council and wider Group activities engage the full membership, making available supporting papers and meeting minutes in the members' zone of the SMI website

In conjunction with an external marketing agency, planning and organisation of the SMI Annual Conference including:

• Programme and speaker development.
• Approaching sponsors.
• Speaker management at the Conference.

Planning and organisation of events, seminars and exhibitions. Create and plan events that enable connections and insight for industry members:

• Conferences, seminars, webinars and presentations with industry and other speakers.
• Leading UK Groups at national and international exhibitions in the UK and overseas.
• Leading inward and outward trade missions including overseas travel.
• In co-operation with the SMI Chief Executive, liaise and sustain relations with appropriate government departments, agencies and allied organisations.
• Maintain close engagement with the National Shipbuilding Office.
• Provide news and reports, as required, for their Council and for the SMI website and weekly newsletter.
• Provide professional advice to the wider SMI membership, including other SMI Councils and interest groups on UK and overseas markets in maritime defence and security as necessary.
• Promote business opportunities by connecting SMI members with prospective customers at home and overseas.
• Represent the Society of Maritime Industries in a positive and professional manner at all times.

Candidate Competencies

Prospective candidates will most likely have enjoyed a successful maritime career and possess the following characteristics:

• Have a strong maritime defence background having operated at a senior level with deep experience of the MOD organisation, of defence procurement and support and with a good understanding of the domestic and export markets in naval systems and equipment.
• Be a confident communicator, articulate and with excellent drafting and secretarial skills and proven abilities as a team player in small organisations.
• Have experience of budgetary responsibility and commercial considerations.
• Be capable of understanding the concerns and priorities of members and of creatively seeking to promote members’ interests.
• Have a professional, confident and personable manner, able to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• Be able to work on own initiative and organise and manage time effectively.
• Be able to manage multiple commitments with over-lapping deadlines and demonstrate a results-oriented approach.
• Be computer literate and able to use the full suite of Microsoft Office in the administration of his/her duties.
• Live within commuting distance of the Society’s offices in the City of London, noting the job also has an element of hybrid working.
• Be prepared to work flexibly and undertake travel throughout the UK and overseas.
• Able to hold a UK Security Clearance.

Applications and supporting statements should be e-mailed to Chelsey Phillips at chelsey(at)agilehrconsulting.com.

Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday 17 November 2023. Should you require any further information or wish to discuss the role in more detail please contact Chelsey Phillips

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