A leading private equity-backed defence business is preparing for a significant divestiture programme and requires an exceptional transformation and transaction execution leader to drive the process from the front.
This is a rare opportunity to take a commercially critical, high-visibility role at the heart of a complex carve-out in one of the UK's most strategically important sectors.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and PE sponsor, you will lead end-to-end divestiture execution across workstreams including operational separation, TSA design and negotiation, financial and legal due diligence support, and stakeholder management across acquirers, advisors, and government counterparties where applicable.
You will bring structure, pace, and commercial rigour to a programme that demands both strategic clarity and hands-on delivery capability.
What You Will Do
- Own the overall divestiture programme plan and governance framework
- Lead operational and functional separation across finance, IT, HR, supply chain, and commercial
- Define and negotiate Transitional Service Agreements with counterparties
- Act as the primary interface between the portfolio company leadership team, PE sponsor, and external advisors
- Manage workstream leads and provide clear escalation pathways to the board
- Identify and mitigate execution risk throughout the separation lifecycle
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven track record leading complex divestitures, carve-outs, or separations in a defence, aerospace, or adjacent regulated environment
- Strong PE sponsor exposure and comfort operating in fast-moving, high-accountability environments
- Prior experience in Big Four advisory, strategy consulting (MBB), or as an internal transformation leader at a defence-sector business
- Security clearance (SC or DV) held or eligible is highly advantageous
- Able to mobilise immediately or at short notice
The Terms
- £7,000 per day
- Outside IR35
- Duration: programme-dependent, initial engagement expected 12-18 months
- Location: flexible with regular travel to USA
If you have led complex divestiture programmes in defence or adjacent sectors and are available to engage immediately, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
