Head of Content - Defence & Security

At Clarion, our people are at the absolute heart of what we do. We’re proud that our core values of PASSION , CARE , IMAGINATION , and TRUST define the way we carry out our work across all of our teams.

If you share our values and want to be a part of a successful, dynamic, and creative global business then we want to hear from you.

The Opportunity:

As Head of Content for Clarion Events’ Defence & Security Portfolio, you’ll lead the delivery of an ambitious content strategy that drives engagement across our UK exhibitions and conferences. You’ll stay closely connected to our global portfolio, spotting trends, identifying shared opportunities, and shaping bold new content ideas.

Reporting to the Defence & Security Director, you’ll work hand-in-hand with an external content consultant to ensure every piece of content is relevant, thought-provoking, and ahead of the curve. In addition, you will work alongside the Editor in Chief of our Defence Digital division. Your leadership will bring energy and consistency to how we tell our story - empowering every team to deliver accurate, compelling, and impactful content that elevates our programs and inspires our audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Product development through collaboration with thought leaders globally.

• Lead on the delivery of a global commercial content strategy to meet objectives.

• Design and deliver relevant content involving our military stakeholders.

• Develop a content programme to meet audience appeal.

• Management of internal teams and external agencies to deliver multimedia assets.

• Coach Conference Managers/Producers to create and deliver event programmes.

• Manage production with the operations team and make data-driven recommendations in collaboration with Senior Leadership to align with the event schedule.

• Work with our Conference Consultant to design the creation of a content strategy to maximize engagement and lead generation across all Defence & Security events.

• Collaborate with Marketing Managers to shape and implement content-driven social media strategies and create compelling press releases, features, and newsletters highlighting industry insights and client achievements.

• Build and nurture strategic relationships with key industry stakeholders including MOD, Embassies, High Commissions, and Host Nations.

• Recruitment of senior military and government speakers for sessions and presentations.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the content team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours:

• Proven background in content development from conference production to progression of leading multiple projects team operations.

• Demonstrated success in leadership - designing and executing content strategies.

• Familiarity with the defence sector is advantageous, though not essential.

• Excellent writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills with a creative flair for crafting compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

• Skilled at engaging and inspiring stakeholders to align with the broader business vision/goals.

• A strong relationship builder committed to enhancing value and delivery.

• Confident decision-maker utilising sound judgment backed by research and analysis.

• Commercially savvy with a deep understanding of what drives financial success and sustainability.

• Naturally curious and motivated to continuously expand industry knowledge and identify emerging trends.

• Comfortable engaging with, and presenting, to senior officials, partners, and industry leaders.

• Highly ambitious and motivated, meticulous in execution, and able to perform effectively under pressure.

About Clarion Events

Clarion Events is one of the world’s leading event organisers, producing and delivering innovative and market-leading events since 1947. ()

Clarion Events embrace diversity and equal opportunities in all that we do. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Clarion is private equity backed and owned by Blackstone. Blackstone is one of the world’s leading global investment funds, investing capital for the long term in order to build successful, resilient businesses. ()

Our purpose is to deliver exceptional customer outcomes and experiences, by making every connection count.

Our vision is we want every one of our products to be a market leader in customer satisfaction and delight.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

• End of year wellbeing shutdown (closed for the last week of the year)

• Employees on a permanent or fixed-term contract are gifted an extra day of leave that can be used for a celebration of your choosing, e.g. birthday, Eid, Diwali, etc.

• Summer Hours in August (3pm finish on Fridays)

• Helping Our World (HOW) Days – one paid day per quarter to carry out charity work

• Pension Scheme

• Private Medical Insurance

• Health Cash Plan

• Wellbeing Library (MYNDUP)

• Mentoring Programme

• Season Ticket Loan

• Cycle to Work Schemes

• Free on-site gym and shower facilities

• Free eyesight tests

• Free flu vaccination – offered on site once a year for all employees

Our Values

PASSION

We deliver all our events with passion for people, the environment and businesses. We form connections with those who are just as passionate about what they do as we are. We always strive to exceed expectations and celebrate success. We love what we do, and it shows.

CARE

We care about our people and our products and work tirelessly to achieve lasting connections and satisfaction for ourselves, our customers and the businesses they support. We really get people - everyone is welcome.

IMAGINATION

Everything is possible. We constantly challenge the status quo and create amazing experiences and opportunities. We take huge satisfaction in solving problems. As open-minded and fun-loving people, the sky is our limit.

TRUST

We trust our skills, people and partners to deliver extraordinary events our customers have come to rely on. We support everyone around us and always learn through our experiences. We are honest and straight forward. You can always rely on us.

Equal Opportunities

We encourage employees to be open and confident and recognise that every member of the team makes a vital contribution.

Clarion embraces equality, diversity and inclusion and seeks to promote these principles in all of our business activities.

When recruiting new employees or providing opportunities for promotion, we will:

• Recruit, develop and retain the most talented people, regardless of background, and make the best use of their talents;

• Ensure that no person is unlawfully discriminated against;

• Select the best person for the role based on their skills, qualifications and abilities.

This statement sets out our commitment to equal opportunities and to preventing discrimination in the workplace.

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