VP Commercialisation: Defence & Security

We are seeking a visionary and passionate commercial leader with strong experience in the Defence sector, an innovative and entrepreneurial style and a collaborative approach to problem solving. Drawing on your experience, and recent Defence developments including Defence Reform, the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy, you will set a bold vision and growth strategy for our Defence and Security Business Unit and deliver in line with Ploughshare’s overall growth plans.

You should be dynamic, able to operate with a startup mindset implementing new processes and ideas and be part of defining how we work, showing strong leadership and providing support to less experienced colleagues. This post ideally requires a relevant degree /MBA and a commercial track record across an array of cutting-edge technologies within the defence, security or policing sectors. Previous experience running your own business would be an advantage.

An understanding of Intellectual Property Rights and the UK patent process is highly desirable.

Success in this role will require you to work effectively at all levels and build positive relationships with a diverse stakeholder group including MOD, international defence ecosystems, commercial partners, wider government, scientists and managers. Exceptional verbal, written and interpersonal skills are essential.

Build success for Ploughshare by enabling fast-paced technology transfer to harness market impact.

Develop and execute the Defence & Security strategy to discover relevant IP to commercialise into industry to drive business growth and contribute to the UK Government impact agenda.

Lead the Defence Security Business Unit including:

Line management of direct commercialisation reports.

Supporting commercialisation of Defence Security assets to achieve overarching strategic objectives.

Proactive management of our Defence and Security clients in collaboration with our Business Development team.

Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships to build the effective delivery of Ploughshare’s services to market.

Maintain and expand extensive networks both in MOD and international defence ecosystems, wider government and with industry, entrepreneurs, and potential investors to help grow our business and brand.

Support business development activities to bring new Defence and Security clients into Ploughshare.

Lead license deals or create spin-out companies, as deemed most suitable for each technology, to deliver maximum impact and financial returns.

Help licensees and spinouts scale to maximise impact through ongoing post deal management and support.

Be an active member of the SLT, contributing to the 3-year business strategy and the annual operating plan.

Ploughshare is a team of around 30 passionate innovators, dedicated to unlocking world-class research and turning it into real-world impact. Originally established to commercialise research from the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), we now work across the Ministry of Defence (MOD), AWE, and a growing network of defence and non-defence organisations in both the public and private sectors.

We identify, protect, and accelerate the commercialisation of high‑potential technologies – from life‑saving sepsis diagnostics tools, to advanced drone‑entanglement systems and miniaturised 2G–5G antennas for body‑worn communications.

With 20 years of specialist expertise, we use our proven Discover, Liberate, Scale, Spinout framework to guide innovation from concept to market – enabling clients to diversify their income while delivering real-world benefits that improve lives and strengthen society.