Business Head - Defense Cyber Security
First seen by Alion on Sep 16, 2026.
About the Role:
We are seeking an accomplished and mission-driven Business Head - Defense Cyber Security to lead and scale our defense-focused cybersecurity business.
This is a P&L ownership role for a leader who combines deep operational understanding of the armed forces/defense ecosystem with proven commercial success in building and running large technology businesses.
The ideal candidate will have served in a top-ranked position within the Indian Defense Forces (Army/Navy/Air Force) or a premier defense/intelligence organization, and has since transitioned into industry where they are currently leading a business unit with a turnover exceeding 500 Crore, with a demonstrated focus on the defense and national security sector.
This individual will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, driving revenue growth, managing key stakeholder relationships (MoD, DRDO, Armed Forces, PSUs, and private defense primes), and building a high-performing team to deliver cutting-edge cyber security solutions for defense and critical national infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & P&L Ownership:
- Own and drive the P&L for the Defense Cyber Security business unit, ensuring sustainable revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion.
- Define and execute a multi-year business strategy aligned with national defense modernization priorities, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and cyber security procurement roadmaps.
- Identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities across offensive/defensive cyber operations, secure communications, network security, critical infrastructure protection, and cyber resilience for defense platforms.
Business Development & Government Relations:
- Build and nurture high-level relationships with the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces (Army/Navy/Air Force), DRDO, defense PSUs (BEL, HAL, BDL, etc.), and other key government stakeholders.
- Lead large, complex defense procurement processes, including RFPs/RFIs, technical evaluations, and contract negotiations within defense acquisition frameworks (DAP/DPP).
- Represent the organization at defense industry forums, security conclaves, and government-industry engagements to enhance brand visibility and credibility.
Team Building & Capability Development:
- Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-caliber team of cyber security professionals, business development managers, and subject matter experts with defense domain expertise.
- Build internal capability in areas such as cyber threat intelligence, secure systems architecture, red teaming/offensive security, and compliance with defense cyber security frameworks.
Delivery Oversight & Compliance:
- Ensure all business operations comply with defense procurement regulations, security clearances, data sovereignty norms, and classified information handling protocols.
- Oversee successful delivery of cyber security programs, ensuring quality, security, and adherence to stringent defense-grade standards.
Strategic Partnerships:
- Identify and manage strategic alliances, joint ventures, and technology partnerships (domestic and international, within FDI/ToT guidelines) to strengthen solution offerings.
Candidate Profile - Mandatory Requirements:
- Defense Background: Must be a retired officer from a top-ranked position in the Indian Armed Forces (Army/Navy/Air Force) or an equivalent premier defense/intelligence organization, with a distinguished service record - preferably with exposure to cyber, signals, electronic warfare, or intelligence domains.
- Current Role: Must be currently heading a business unit with an annual turnover exceeding 500 Crore, with demonstrated full P&L ownership and accountability.
- Industry Focus: Must have a proven, sustained focus on the Defense Industry, with a strong understanding of defense procurement cycles, stakeholder ecosystems, and sector-specific challenges.
- Track Record: Demonstrated success in scaling a business unit, winning large-value defense/government contracts, and driving profitable growth in a regulated, high-security environment.
- Network: Strong, active relationships with key decision-makers across MoD, Armed Forces, DRDO, and defense PSUs/primes.
Additional Preferred Qualifications:
- Postgraduate qualification from a premier defense institution (NDA, IMA, DSSC/DSSC-equivalent Staff College, National Defence College) and/or a management degree from a top-tier institute.
- Working knowledge of cyber security domains: network security, cloud security, OT/ICS security, threat intelligence, SOC operations, and cyber security compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, CERT-In guidelines).
- Familiarity with India's defense cyber security policy landscape, including the Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA) framework and related national cyber security strategy.
- Existing security clearances or eligibility for the same.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
What We Offer:
- A leadership mandate to build and scale a strategically critical business vertical.
- Access to significant organizational resources, technology capability, and executive sponsorship.
- Compensation aligned with the seniority of the role, inclusive of performance-linked incentives.
- The opportunity to directly contribute to national cyber security and defense preparedness.
Skills
Business Head, Business Alliances, IT Sales, IT Sales Head