Head of Content - Defence

JOB PURPOSE:

As Head of Content for the Africa Defence Exhibition, you will lead the strategy, development, and delivery of world-class conference and exhibition content that positions the event as the premier defence and security platform on the African continent.
Reporting to the Portfolio Director, and based in London, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the content strategy across all event initiatives – from the main exhibition and high-level summits to thought-leadership programmes, strategic roundtables, and digital content campaigns.
This is a pivotal role at the intersection of international defence, security innovation, and policy development. You will ensure the event serves as the leading meeting point for governments, military leaders, defence industry executives, and technology innovators from Africa and around the world.
You will oversee the full content lifecycle – from strategy, research, and speaker acquisition to on-site delivery and digital engagement – ensuring all programming aligns with the event’s mission to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth in Africa’s defence ecosystem.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Leadership
•    Develop and implement a long-term content strategy that strengthens the event’s positioning as Africa’s premier defence exhibition.
•    Map the global and regional defence and security ecosystems to ensure the event’s programme reflects cutting-edge developments and geopolitical priorities.
•    Align content strategy with dmg events’ global portfolio objectives and regional market intelligence.
Business and Market Intelligence
•    Conduct ongoing research and stakeholder engagement across government, military, and industry to identify emerging defence trends and priorities.
•    Support the Portfolio Director in defining the event’s market positioning and value proposition across its conferences, summits, and partner activities.
Content Development and Delivery
•    Lead the creation of high-value conference programmes, plenary sessions, and sector-specific forums featuring defence ministers, chiefs of staff, OEM executives, and innovation leaders.
•    Drive the year-round content agenda through whitepapers, webinars, and digital series to extend the event’s impact beyond the exhibition.
•    Oversee all speaker management, advisory boards, and content partnerships, ensuring programmes are balanced, diverse, and influential.
Commercial and Brand Development
•    Collaborate closely with commercial, marketing, PR, and digital teams to maximise audience acquisition, sponsorship opportunities, and content monetisation.
•    Curate content offerings that drive measurable ROI – including paid summits, executive sessions, and digital sponsorship packages.
•    Support the event’s brand growth through authored articles, thought leadership, and participation in international defence dialogues.
Stakeholder Engagement
•    Build and maintain senior-level relationships with ministries of defence, armed forces, OEMs, defence associations, think tanks, and strategic partners.
•    Establish and manage the event’s advisory board, ensuring geographic and sectoral diversity and ongoing relevance.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS: 
Key Success Criteria:
•    Establish the event as the leading defence exhibition and conference platform in Africa.
•    Deliver innovative, insight-driven programmes that attract global participation and media attention.
•    Drive collaboration across departments to deliver strategic, high-quality outcomes.
Required Skills and Experience:
•    Proven experience in defence, security, or major international conference production.
•    Strong global network within defence ministries, OEMs, and military leadership.
•    Strategic thinker with an ability to translate market insights into impactful programmes.
•    Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
•    Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
•    Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, globally connected environment.
•    Multilingual – English, French & Arabic (advantageous)

You should be open to international travel, as required by the job role.

dmg events is an equal opportunity employer. If you have not had feedback from us within 14 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful for this round.