Strategic Account Lead, National Security (Cheltenham)

National Security is a core growth area for Plexal’s Innovation Services business, where we help government clients adopt new technology, build innovation ecosystems and respond to emerging threats and opportunities. Plexal operates at the intersection of government, industry and emerging technology — turning innovation ambition into practical capability, adoption and measurable impact.

The Strategic Account Lead will drive commercial growth and strategic client engagement across Cheltenham’s National Security landscape. This role blends relationship‑based sales, delivery‑aligned growth and proposition development. You will lead Plexal’s engagement with our most significant National Security clients in the Cheltenham area, build strong partnerships, shape new opportunities and support the evolution of Plexal’s offering in a rapidly changing environment.

This is a senior, hands‑on commercial role suited to a growth‑minded consultant who thrives on building relationships, enjoys operating in low‑structure environments, and wants to influence how emerging technology is adopted across secure‑government markets.

• Lead strategic client relationships across Cheltenham’s National Security and adjacent secure‑government markets, ensuring strong partnerships throughout the full lifecycle of engagement — from prospecting and opportunity shaping to delivery oversight and customer satisfaction.
• Act as the senior account lead for Plexal’s major National Security clients in Cheltenham, maintaining a highly visible presence to strengthen Plexal’s brand, reputation and trusted‑partner status.
• Drive significant net‑new business and diversification, identifying and developing new revenue streams, expanding engagement across client business units, and landing multi‑year, high‑value contracts.
• Provide critical local leadership to a major procurement campaign expected in H2 2026/27, shaping Plexal’s position and long‑term footprint in the Cheltenham market.
• Leverage delivery engagement to deepen client relationships, strengthen Plexal’s reputation and uncover new growth opportunities.
• Develop and refine propositions that respond to client needs, market trends and emerging technology opportunities, working closely with the wider National Security & Defence team.
• Expand partnerships with suppliers and ecosystem organisations, shaping consortium bids, unlocking new routes to market and building collaborative commercial opportunities.
• Provide insight into market trends, procurement behaviours and customer priorities to inform Plexal’s National Security account strategy and support strategic campaigns across the NS & Defence portfolio.
• Contribute to the evolution of the GTM function, supporting process improvements, commercial maturity and scalable growth practices.

Essential

• Proven track record of relationship‑based sales, winning new business and shaping commercial opportunities.
• Experience working directly with National Security or adjacent secure‑government clients (e.g., Defence).
• Strong consultancy background, with the ability to operate across strategy, delivery oversight and hands‑on opportunity execution.
• Strong understanding of government procurement, commercial processes and how secure‑government organisations buy and adopt technology.
• Ability to operate autonomously while collaborating effectively across GTM, delivery and Cheltenham‑based teams.

Desirable

• Experience supporting technology adoption, innovation ecosystems or organisational change within government.
• Demonstrable experience shaping and delivering strategic bids, consortium partnerships or multi‑stakeholder commercial opportunities.
• Success securing and growing £1m+ contracts or multi‑year engagements.
• Existing knowledge of National Security market dynamics, customer priorities and supplier ecosystems.

• Highly relational, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust quickly.
• Strategic thinker able to understand long‑term client trends and translate them into credible propositions.
• Growth‑minded — motivated by building new opportunities, expanding relationships and shaping commercial direction.
• Comfortable taking ownership and driving outcomes independently.
• Collaborative, supportive and aligned to Plexal’s culture of partnership and innovation.
• Candidates must be eligible to undergo security clearance or hold current security clearance. (See more on clearance eligibility.)

We thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment dedicated to empowering innovators. We embrace individuals who leverage technology and creativity to tackle our greatest challenges head-on. We strongly advocate for maintaining a harmonious work-life balance, our goal is to ensure every member of our team can authentically be themselves and live their best lives. We firmly believe that innovation and creativity flourish when we cultivate a diverse workforce, comprising highly skilled individuals with a wide range of perspectives to contribute.

In return we will offer you:

• Salary: Up to £80,000 - £100,000 depending on skills and experience
• Annual bonus scheme
• A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%)
• Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Volunteering day

Plexal is an equal opportunities employer and we actively encourage applicants from individuals from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Committed employer and are willing to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.