Research-led aerospace executive search for primes, tier-one suppliers, MRO and defence businesses. Shortlists in eight weeks. Established 1988.
Oryx delivers aerospace executive search for organisations across the UK and internationally, from prime contractors and tier-one suppliers to MRO providers, avionics and propulsion specialists, space systems businesses and defence electronics firms. Leadership appointments in this sector carry constraints few others face: programme cycles measured in decades, security clearance requirements, export control and ITAR obligations, and a candidate pool concentrated among a small number of competitors who are protective of their senior people. Our in-house research team maps that pool directly rather than working from a database, identifying engineering, programme management, quality, supply chain and general management leaders who are performing well where they are and are not visible on the open market. The disciplines we cover include systems and airworthiness engineering, manufacturing engineering and production, programme and bid management, supply chain and procurement, aftermarket and customer support, and business development into government and prime customers.
Retained by primes, tier-one suppliers and MRO businesses who cannot afford a miss
Ultra Electronics designs and manufactures specialized electronic and software systems for the defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure sectors, focusing primarily on sonar equipment, aircraft controls, and secure tactical communications. Oryx handled projects to recruit senior Operations, Sales and Supply Chain leads.
Delkia is a specialist engineering and technology company that designs and builds safety-critical and mission-critical systems. They primarily serve the nuclear, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors. Oryx was retained to recruit a CFO, CSO & COO.
GKN Aerospace designs and builds advanced aircraft parts, including wings, engine components, and cockpit windows, for commercial and military planes. The company operates 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, employing around 16,000 people to support major aerospace programs globally. Oryx Were retained to recruit the MD for the Bristol site.
Founded in 1988 and employee-owned, Oryx has built its practice on engineering-led industries, and our consultants and researchers typically stay with the firm for a decade or more. That continuity matters when a defence programme's leadership requirements are confidential. As an aerospace headhunter, we approach individuals discreetly and present your opportunity in person rather than advertising it. Every assignment includes proactive primary research, weekly auditable progress reporting and a shortlist of pre-qualified candidates within eight weeks, supported where required by psychometric assessment and talent mapping. Whether you are appointing a managing director, strengthening a board or building a new capability from scratch, our aerospace recruiters reach leaders your competitors cannot. We also work with businesses entering the sector from adjacent engineering markets, where the difficulty is finding leadership able to navigate defence procurement and qualification requirements without having come up through them.
Rebecca Ross
Director
26 years with Oryx
Nic Davis
Senior Consultant
11 years with Oryx
Colette Brown
Director
27 years with Oryx
Alex Mitchell
Director
26 years with Oryx
Will Strange
Director
28 years with Oryx
Gemma Killin
Senior Research Manager
12 years with Oryx
Phil Moran
Managing Director
37 years with Oryx
Jon Badger
Senior Research Manager
22 years with Oryx
Alec Berry
Senior Research manager
14 years with Oryx
