Senior Adviser – Defence Planning

Vetwork is supporting the recruitment of a highly experienced Senior Adviser – Defence Planning for a major defence transformation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a strategic-level advisory appointment supporting senior Ministry of Defence stakeholders on long-term transformation, capability development and defence planning initiatives. The role requires a former British Army Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) or above, or equivalent senior UK MOD experience, with deep expertise in defence planning, capability development and strategic military reform. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will: Advise senior MOD leadership on defence transformation and strategic planning initiatives. Support the development and implementation of long-term capability planning frameworks. Align capability plans, budgets and force development priorities to wider strategic objectives. Work closely with finance and J8 stakeholders on planning and prioritisation. Review existing structures, governance and operating procedures, recommending improvements based on UK MOD and international best practice. Support the drafting and development of policies, strategies and implementation plans. Engage with senior military officers, civilian leaders and international stakeholders. Coordinate with wider advisory teams, consultants and partner organisations to improve programme coherence. Support training development, mentoring and knowledge transfer activities where required. Provide strategic reporting and programme updates to senior leadership. Essential Requirements Candidates must have: Former British Army Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) or above status, or equivalent UK MOD senior leadership experience. Extensive experience within the UK MOD operating model. Strong background in: Capability Development Defence Planning J8 / Military Finance Strategic Force Development Transformation Programmes Experience at Joint Staff, Service Headquarters or MOD level. Proven experience aligning capability plans and budgets to strategic objectives. Experience developing or managing 5-year and 10-year capability/FYDP-style planning frameworks. Strong stakeholder engagement skills with senior military and civilian leadership. Previous experience delivering strategic advice in complex international environments. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to operate independently and at strategic level. Strong programme management and coordination capability. Cultural awareness and adaptability. Desirable Experience Previous Middle East defence advisory experience. Experience supporting defence reform or national transformation programmes. Exposure to cross-government strategy development. Basic Arabic language capability. Existing UK SC Clearance. Candidate Profile This role is best suited to a former senior British military officer with significant MOD-level exposure and credibility operating at strategic level. The ideal candidate will combine operational understanding with strategic planning expertise and be comfortable advising senior decision-makers within an international defence environment.