Director General UK Defence Innovation (DG UKDI) is a pivotal role within the Ministry of Defence, created to deliver the UK’s flagship Defence Innovation organisation. This role will lead the transformation of Defence’s approach to technology and capability development, ensuring the UK Armed Forces maintain operational advantage while driving national prosperity through innovation.

DG UKDI will be the single point of accountability for the UK’s Defence Innovation strategy, governance, and delivery. Reporting directly to the National Armaments Director, the role will consolidate existing innovation entities into a unified, high-performing organisation, managing a £400M innovation fund and influencing a £2BN research and development budget. It will also play a key role in shaping the £12BN Defence investment portfolio.

This is a multi-billion-pound, multi-year endeavour central to the Strategic Defence Review, which commits to embedding innovation as a military capability in its own right. DG UKDI will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, autonomy, quantum systems, and digital platforms, while fostering collaboration with industry, academia, and international partners. The role will also drive cultural and structural change across Defence to deliver capability at pace.

DG UKDI will have the opportunity to design and implement a new operating model, establish robust governance, and build a high-performing senior team. Success will require exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and commercial acumen to influence Ministers, senior Defence leaders, industry CEOs, investors, and NATO allies.

We are looking for an outstanding leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex programmes under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity. You will have board-level credibility, experience in driving organisational change, and the ability to build strong partnerships across government, industry, and international stakeholders.

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• Location: MOD Main Building, London (with frequent travel to MOD sites, industry partners, and international engagements)

• Salary: £225,000 - £250,000

• Working Pattern: Full-Time

• Security Clearance: DV required

To receive the full job specification and application details, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please email UKDI@kornferry.com

Closing date for applications: 23:55 on 9th February 2026.