WTW
Defence Security Virtual Practice Leader

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Join us as our Defence & Security Virtual Practice Leader, based in London and supporting UK and global outward business. This is a unique opportunity for a commercially minded leader to unite stakeholders behind a clear vision and turn strategy into measurable growth.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to establish and grow a UK Defence & Security Virtual Practice. With an established portfolio of clients across multiple teams from which you can derive specialist expertise, the opportunity is to unite existing strengths, create a distinctive market-facing proposition and accelerate growth across government, defence, aerospace, security, technology and critical infrastructure organisations. The role combines sector leadership, business development, client engagement with the potential to assume P&L responsibility as the practice scales.
Working across the UK and our global network, you will coordinate teams and specialist expertise around shared priorities, embed new ways of working and lead from the front on priority opportunities. You will develop differentiated solutions that help clients navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical, operational and risk landscape.
The Role
As lead, you will set the strategy and operating model for a new virtual practice.
Success will require visible leadership, business growth momentum and broad stakeholder commitment. You will:
- Map Defence & Security clients, opportunities and activity across the organisation, establishing clear priorities and aligned account plans.
- Drive adoption of the new practice model by securing stakeholder commitment and embedding consistent ways of working.
- Build and strengthen relationships with senior stakeholders across defence, government, security, aerospace and related industries.
- Identify emerging market trends, risks and opportunities and convert insight into commercial action.
- Personally lead major business development opportunities and complex client engagements, mobilising the right expertise at the right time.
- Create innovative client propositions by bringing together expertise across risk, insurance, advisory, analytics and capital solutions.
- Act as an executive sponsor for key strategic accounts and support long-term client retention and growth.
- Represent the organisation externally through industry events, thought leadership and professional networks.
- Collaborate with global sector leaders to ensure alignment between UK priorities and international strategy.
- Implement the governance, talent plan and commercial structure required to scale the practice.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
QUALIFICATIONS
What you’ll bring
- Leadership experience within Defence & Security, risk advisory, consulting, insurance, professional services or a related market.
- Experience developing and winning complex, high-value opportunities.
- Strong relationships with senior decision-makers across the sector.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate in a matrix environment.
- A strategic mindset with drive to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and leadership skills.
- Experience in insurance, risk management, government, defence procurement, cyber, resilience, national security environments.


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What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.
We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtwco.com.
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