Managing Director & Head of Security and Defense, Public Sector Banking

Overview

The Head of Security and Defense is responsible for leading Public Sector Banking’s defense initiative, serving ministries of defense and other specialized government entities to drive revenue growth. The role focuses on revenue generation tied to the U.S. Department of Defense and related security agencies, and collaborates with Export Agency Finance, Industrials, Markets, and Investment Banking teams to build a robust defense practice.

Responsibilities

This leadership role encompasses strategic business development, client relationship management, and thought leadership in the evolving defense and security space. The successful candidate will:

• Have direct account management and revenue generation responsibility for the U.S. Department of Defense and departments/branches, other U.S. security agencies (CIA, NSA, etc.), NATO, and AUKUS, and support public sector and corporate bankers covering other ministries of defense and related companies.
• Develop and execute a client‑driven franchise strategy to drive profitable growth and expand wallet share in the security and defense space.
• Lead analysis of market trends to identify growth opportunities and co‑develop segment‑specific solutions with industry groups, regional partners, investment banking, markets, and product partners.
• Drive thought leadership and engage in policy development for key themes related to security and defense.
• Represent Citi and increase brand visibility at key global events.
• Develop senior trusted advisor relationships with key clients and countries.
• Ensure ethical conduct and transparency in all business practices.
• Understand and effectively manage the heightened role of franchise risk associated with the security and defense business.
• Connect the public sector defense initiative to all parts of the firm, from industry groups to government relations and second line of defense.
• Develop materials for executive consumption to build consensus and ensure key partners are well‑briefed on trends and challenges.
• Participate in initial triage of opportunities to match client demands with appropriate Citi teams.
• Work with government relations on messaging and relationship development.

Knowledge / Experience

• Extensive client interaction at senior levels with military staff and civilians in the security and defense space.
• Multi‑year experience in the military, business development for OEMs, or related security agencies.
• Understanding of the various defense sub‑sectors and dual‑use technologies.
• Knowledge of NATO, EU, U.S., and international partner defense investment organizations and sovereign programs.
• Full knowledge of the entire suite of products to be deployed in this space, including export finance models, capital structuring tools, and related cash management products.
• Proven track record of deal origination and structuring.
• Consistent delivery of revenue and budget targets.
• Strong credit skills and experience, particularly for sovereign credits.
• Deep understanding of U.S. Government security and defense agencies and those of other countries.
• Active security clearance (or ability to obtain clearance).

Skills

• Leadership – Demonstrated ability to lead sector strategy development and execution in collaboration with partners across the firm.
• Vision and Proactive Action – Ability to translate trends and themes into new business opportunities and re‑direct resources to drive execution.
• Judgement – Capacity to navigate policy, public perception, and responsible business conduct.
• Analytical – Assimilate new information quickly and relate it to the needs of the security and defense base.
• Organizational – Manage business across a large client portfolio with diverse teams.
• Verbal and Written – Communicate complex client issues to a broad range of internal contacts and speak publicly.
• Team Player – Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with a desire to drive collective success for Citi in this space.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial services and in/with security and defense organizations.
• Experience with people management.
• Strong Corporate Finance and Credit Experience (10+ years).
• In‑depth experience of banking products – lending, capital management, cash management, trade products, corporate and structured finance, DCM, derivatives, and investment banking offerings.
• Balance between internal management and external client time.
• Understanding of compliance issues and regulatory requirements (global and local).
• Leadership and strategic thinking, able to create momentum with a balanced agenda across products, stakeholders, and priorities.
• Intellectual interest in public sector security and defense challenges, and willingness to lead Citi’s response to future changes.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills with a pragmatic approach to optimizing limited resources.
• FINRA licenses (SIE, S79, S63, S24).

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, university degree, or equivalent experience.
• Master’s/MBA preferred from a top economics, business, or financial engineering program.

Location

• New York
• Washington, DC (Reston Office)

Benefits

In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may include discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned (vacation), unplanned (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity, review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.