Account Director/Business Unit Lead – Defence, Intelligence & National Security

Salary £NEG, Yearly bonus + Hybrid Working (Depending on experience).

Role Details

i3Works is seeking a senior, commercially minded leader to take ownership of a newly established account within our Defence, Intelligence and National Security business and grow it into a stand‑alone business unit.

This is a foundational role, combining account leadership, team building, partner management, and business development. The successful candidate will join at the outset, with significant autonomy and responsibility, reporting directly to the Board. This is an opportunity to build something substantial within a growing consultancy, having real influence over strategy, people, delivery, and growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a new account into a sustainable, scalable business unit

• Act as the senior client and stakeholder lead

• Build and develop high performing teams (associates and permanent staff)

• Develop and expand existing contracts

• Shape and pursue new opportunities, contributing to bids and pipeline growth

• Work closely with partners, suppliers, and recruiters to strengthen delivery capability

• Help define the operating model, culture, and ways of working from day one

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior experience in account management, delivery leadership, or business unit leadership

• Background in Defence, Intelligence and/or National Security, or similarly complex, regulated environments

• Proven track record of growing accounts, teams, or services

• Strong commercial judgement and stakeholder management skills

• Eligible and able to obtain the highest level of UK Government security clearance

Desirable

• Entrepreneurial and comfortable building something from scratch

• Strong people skills — enjoys developing teams and individuals

• Highly organised, but pragmatic and adaptable

• Dynamic, proactive, and ownership driven

• Confident operating at board level and influencing senior stakeholders

Role Type

• Full time, Permanent, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

• Regular travel to secure client and delivery locations within the UK, as well as i3Works offices and partner sites

• Flexibility to work on‑site where required is essential

Our Values

Our core values, Purposeful, Dynamic & Supportive, stand us apart from our competition, are the central, driving force to i3Works’ culture and are expressed through our associated behaviours:

Purposeful

• Professionally Responsible - Builds and delivers professionalism to bring value to the organisation, stakeholders and peers.

• Driven to Deliver - Demonstrates determination, resourcefulness, and purpose to deliver the best results for and behalf of i3Works.

• Critical Thinker - Demonstrates the ability to analyse and understand data and information quickly. Uses information, insights and knowledge in a structured way to identify options, make recommendations and make robust, defendable decisions.

Dynamic

• Curious - Is future-focused, inquisitive, and open- minded; seeks out evolving and innovative ways to add value to the organization.

• Skilled Influencer - Demonstrates the ability to influence to gain the necessary commitment and support from diverse stakeholders in pursuit of organisation value.

Supportive

• Collaborative - Works effectively and inclusively with a range of people, both within and outside of the organisation

• Role Model - Consistently leads by example. Acts impartiality and independently, balancing personal and organisation parameters.

Benefits at i3Works

• Private healthcare/medical cover & Group life insurance

• Annual bonus scheme (dependent on personal and company performance)

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing by 1 day per each calendar year, after your 3rd anniversary with the company– rising to a maximum of 30 days + bank holidays).

• Enhanced Reservist Leave – up to 10 days paid.

• Annual leave purchase scheme (up to 5 days per year)

• 5% company pension contribution

• £250.00 annual donation towards a charity or grassroots organisation of your choice

• Personal wellness benefit of £120.00 per month, access to unlimited 1-1 counselling support and a wealth of wellbeing and support resources

• Enhanced parental leave

• Electric car leasing salary sacrifice scheme

• Cycle to work scheme (save 25-39% on a bike and accessories)

• Paid qualifications for employees at all levels

• Internal Employee Networks, regular social events throughout the year and charity fundraising activities to get involved with if you wish.

At i3Works we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.