UK-Based Drone Manufacturer

UK-Based Drone Manufacturer

Location: Flexible (UK) with attendance at Board meetings and occasional site visits

Time Commitment: Approximately 2 days per month

Remuneration: £60,000 per annum plus reasonable business expenses

About the Company

Our client is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), developing mission-ready drone technology for defence, security and critical national infrastructure applications. Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, the company's systems are engineered to deliver intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in demanding operational environments where resilience, reliability and performance are paramount.

Driven by a rapid innovation model informed by operational feedback from real-world deployments, the business has established itself as a trusted provider of sovereign drone capability to UK and allied defence customers. As the company continues to grow internationally, it is strengthening its position as a leading defence technology business, combining engineering excellence with operational insight to deliver next-generation autonomous systems.

The Opportunity

Our client is entering a pivotal stage in its growth. Building on a strong reputation for innovation and operational excellence, the company is scaling its commercial capabilities, expanding internationally and continuing to invest in advanced technology to meet the evolving requirements of defence and security customers.

The Board is seeking an exceptional Non-Executive Director who will bring independent judgement, strategic insight and proven governance experience to support the company's next phase of development.

This appointment is focused on providing objective oversight rather than operational involvement. The successful candidate will act as a trusted adviser to the Chair and executive leadership team, offering constructive challenge, strengthening governance and ensuring that strategic decisions are robust, balanced and aligned with the long-term interests of the business and its shareholders.

Purpose of the Role

The Non-Executive Director will provide independent oversight and strategic guidance to the Board, supporting the executive team in delivering sustainable growth while ensuring the highest standards of governance, accountability and decision-making.

The successful candidate will contribute significant commercial and leadership experience, helping the business continue its transition from an innovative technology company to a globally recognised defence manufacturer.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to the development, review and execution of the Company's long-term strategic plan.
• Provide independent challenge and objective judgement on strategic initiatives and investment decisions.
• Support the Board in identifying opportunities for sustainable growth across UK, NATO and allied defence markets.
• Advise on international expansion, strategic partnerships and commercial development.
• Help balance innovation with disciplined commercial execution and long-term value creation.
• Provide insight into emerging market trends, defence technology developments and competitive positioning.

Governance & Decision Making

• Promote the highest standards of corporate governance and Board effectiveness.
• Ensure governance frameworks evolve appropriately as the business scales.
• Provide independent oversight of significant commercial, financial and strategic decisions.
• Encourage transparent, evidence-based and well-governed decision-making.
• Monitor organisational risk and ensure appropriate controls and mitigation strategies are in place.
• Support effective succession planning and Board evaluation processes.

Leadership Support

• Act as a trusted adviser and mentor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Provide constructive challenge while maintaining an appropriately supportive relationship.
• Help strengthen executive capability through coaching and strategic guidance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, integrity and high performance throughout the organisation.

Board Effectiveness

• Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.
• Review Board papers critically and contribute informed independent judgement.
• Participate in Board committees where appropriate.
• Ensure decisions are made in the long-term interests of the Company, its shareholders and key stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Enhance the credibility and reputation of the Board.
• Represent the Company with investors, government, strategic partners and customers when appropriate.
• Leverage relevant networks to support strategic opportunities and long-term growth.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A successful executive career within defence, aerospace, advanced engineering, manufacturing or high-growth technology businesses.
• Strong commercial judgement and strategic thinking capability.
• A proven understanding of Board governance and corporate oversight.
• Experience supporting founder-led, entrepreneurial or scaling organisations.
• The ability to provide both constructive challenge and practical support.
• High levels of integrity, independence and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Defence or national security sectors.
• Aerospace or uncrewed aerial systems.
• Government or Ministry of Defence procurement.
• Sovereign capability and advanced manufacturing.
• International market expansion.
• Fundraising, investor relations or private equity-backed businesses.
• Mergers and acquisitions.
• Technology commercialisation.
• Governance within highly regulated industries.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Independent in thought and judgement.
• Commercially astute.
• Strategic and forward-thinking.
• Collaborative and approachable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Curious and intellectually rigorous.
• Comfortable providing robust challenge where appropriate.
• Committed to ethical leadership and sound governance.

Success Measures

Within the first 12–18 months, the successful Non-Executive Director will have:

• Contributed meaningfully to the refinement and execution of the Company's long-term strategy.
• Strengthened the effectiveness of the Board through independent judgement and constructive challenge.
• Enhanced governance frameworks appropriate for a scaling defence technology business.
• Improved Board oversight of strategic risk, organisational resilience and regulatory compliance.
• Become a trusted adviser to the Chair and CEO, supporting high-quality strategic decision-making.
• Leveraged relevant networks and experience to support strategic partnerships, customer engagement and sustainable business growth.
• Helped foster a Board culture centred on accountability, transparency and long-term value creation.