Strategic Pursuits Leader

Orange Cyberdefense is the expert cyber security business unit of the Orange Group, providing security consulting, solutions and services to organisations around the globe. We strive to protect freedom and build a safer digital society.

We are seeking an experienced and driven Strategic Pursuits Leader to lead high-value, complex cybersecurity deal pursuits from early-stage qualification through to successful contract award. Operating at the intersection of business development, solutioning, and bid management, this role is crucial in shaping compelling cybersecurity offerings tailored to client needs, aligning internal stakeholders, and driving best-in-class pursuit strategies.

The ideal candidate has deep experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in competitive, deadline-driven environments, and excels at translating cybersecurity capabilities into winning value propositions.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-End Pursuit Leadership
• Lead large-scale cybersecurity opportunities (>£5M+) through the entire bid lifecycle.
• Orchestrate cross-functional teams including sales, technical architects, legal, finance, and delivery to develop tailored solutions and proposals.
• Establish and manage pursuit governance processes and executive reviews.
• Strategic Deal Shaping
• Work closely with business development and sales teams to qualify opportunities and shape win strategies early in the sales cycle.
• Define solution themes, differentiators, and win strategies in line with client priorities and cybersecurity risk profiles.
• Influence RFPs and customer requirements where possible through proactive client engagement.
• Proposal & Presentation Development
• Lead the development of high-impact proposals, executive summaries, and client presentations.
• Ensure all client-facing content is aligned with brand, strategy, and security assurance standards.
• Oversee compliance with bid requirements and formal submission processes.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication
• Act as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders during major pursuits.
• Facilitate regular updates, workshops, and decision checkpoints with executive sponsors and pursuit teams.
• Represent the cybersecurity practice during orals and client negotiation phases when required.
• Pursuit Process & Continuous Improvement
• Leverage and improve pursuit frameworks, tools, and best practices.
• Conduct post-mortem analysis and lessons learned to enhance future pursuit effectiveness.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience (7+ years) leading complex bids or strategic pursuits in the technology or cybersecurity sector.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity services, trends, and buyer needs.
• Strong project management, commercial acumen, and organisational leadership.
• Exceptional communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Track record of driving multi-million-pound wins in competitive environments.
• Familiarity with regulated industry procurement processes (e.g., government, finance, healthcare).
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to evolving deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field; advanced degree or certifications (CISSP, CISM, PMP, APMP) a plus.
• Experience with formal bid & sales methodologies (e.g., Shipley, Miller Heiman, MEDDPICC) and proposal automation tools.
• Exposure to international cybersecurity markets or global pursuits.

By joining one of the world’s leading cyber security companies, you will be offered the following:

• An opportunity to join a forward-thinking company, and a supportive work environment
• Competitive salary
  
• Private medical healthcare
• Health cash plan
• Company pension
• Life insurance
• Income protection insurance
• Company events several times a year
• Employee discount scheme

Please send your CV for immediate consideration.

Orange Cyberdefense are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all people, regardless of their race, sex, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation.