The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that recruitment is still underway for the newly created National Armaments Director (NAD) position, aimed at enhancing defence procurement efficiency and strengthening collaboration with NATO.
The move comes as the MOD seeks to tackle inefficiencies and streamline procurement, ensuring greater value for money and improved defence capabilities. Responding to James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated:
“The National Armaments Director will have significant experience in leading and transforming large organisations, and the ability to build strong, influential partnerships across the globe.”
While the salary details remain undisclosed, Eagle confirmed that the MOD had benchmarked the remuneration package against defence industry best practices to attract a high-calibre candidate. She added:
“We have therefore benchmarked the salary against Defence industry best practice and standards to offer a competitive remuneration package to attract the right candidate with the right skills.”
The MOD’s defence procurement system has long been under scrutiny, with calls for greater efficiency, reduced waste, and improved capability delivery. The new NAD role is part of a wider reform programme, aimed at modernising defence acquisitions and strengthening the UK’s role within NATO’s procurement structures.
As Eagle confirmed, the NAD will act as the UK’s representative in NATO’s Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) while also taking on additional responsibilities to enhance UK procurement strategy.
“Recruitment of the future NAD is ongoing, and we expect to invite applications shortly. Details of the new NAD duties and responsibilities and the associated remuneration package will be available in the job description once published,” Eagle stated.
The procurement overhaul aligns with recent increases in UK defence spending, as the government seeks to modernise its military supply chains and enhance interoperability with NATO partners. With the application window opening soon, the role is expected to be filled by a senior figure with extensive experience in defence acquisitions and strategic industry partnerships.
“While the salary details remain undisclosed, Eagle confirmed that the MOD had benchmarked the remuneration package against defence industry best practices to attract a high-calibre candidate”
Absolute goobedly gook that any serious professional knows that it translates into a SHEQ Manager or DEI Manager will be making more than you.
The same MOD who are currently offering £36,530 for a Cyber Risk Manager at Army HQ Andover when the going market rate is 60k scratching there heads wondering why no one is applying.
I can’t see the point. Our NAD has always been the Head of DE&S, and it worked. Add on a hefty HQ and staff and this new initiative will be expensive.
Once established is the new NAD just going to go to international conferences or is he/she going to improve MoD procurement by conducting a Review taking ages and then issuing directives to CE DE&S and get in his hair or merely issue advice which might be ignored?
It is a ‘one over one’ nonsense.
I’m of the same view, mate.
It would be a start if HMG itself, and HMT especially, adopted “best practice” and stopped procrastinating, spent money up front more efficiently,and stopped dragging out programs resulting in spiralling costs and ageing equipment.
What point a NAD if a PM is able to ride roughshod over even an armies R&E with things like RCH155.
The other one I’m still waiting to get to the nitty gritty with is the “new” CDS Headquarters, which, no matter how many times directorates are renamed and reshuffled, exists, and has for decades.
I see it as window dressing rather than dealing with the root of the problem. THEMSELVES.