Head of Defence Training Services

Fortress Recruit is working with a leading defence services business to appoint a Head of Defence Training Services, based in Shawbury. This is a senior leadership role responsible for taking full ownership of a complex, safety-critical training operation within an aviation environment. You’ll lead a large, multidisciplinary workforce delivering air traffic control training, with accountability for performance, structure, culture, and commercial delivery. This is not a technical training role - the focus is on leadership, transformation, and operational performance. The function requires restructuring, improved accountability, and a shift in culture, making this an ideal opportunity for a strong, decisive leader who can drive change in a challenging environment. Key responsibilities include: * Leading the end-to-end delivery of aviation training services, ensuring performance meets contractual and operational requirements * Taking full ownership of the operational budget, including cost control, forecasting and financial performance * Acting as the primary point of contact for senior defence stakeholders, managing relationships and expectations * Driving improvements across service delivery, performance reporting and operational processes * Leading and developing a large operational team, addressing performance, engagement and cultural challenges * Restructuring the existing organisation to improve clarity, accountability and effectiveness * Managing a unionised workforce, maintaining clear boundaries and effective working relationships * Identifying and mitigating risks across delivery, people and commercial performance * Leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, capability and customer outcomes * Supporting major incident management as part of the leadership duty rota To be considered for this role, you'll have: * Significant senior leadership experience within a complex, operational or safety-critical environment * Proven track record of managing large teams and delivering measurable performance improvement * Experience operating within a commercial or contract-driven environment with full accountability for outcomes * Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior-level customers * Demonstrable experience of organisational redesign, transformation, or cultural change * Experience working within or alongside unionised environments * A confident, resilient leadership style with the ability to challenge, influence and drive accountability * Commercial awareness and a clear understanding of business performance drivers * Degree qualified or equivalent experience, with ongoing professional development in leadership or management This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a high-profile operational function that requires significant transformation. You’ll be trusted to reshape the structure, improve performance and build a more effective, commercially aligned operation within a critical defence environment. On offer is a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus and attractive benefits package. This role is permanent, full-time 37 hours a week and based on-site in Shawbury, with UK travel and occasional international travel as required. Eligibility for Security Clearance is essential (5 years' UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement). For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please click apply to send your full CV to Becki