Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sales cycle and build strategic relationships in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a next-gen defence company revolutionising supply chain solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance incentives, and remote work flexibility.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a rapidly expanding industry with significant impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in aerospace or defence with strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Fully remote role with optional London workspace; travel across Europe expected.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This range is provided by Willis Global. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range: Offering a salary of c.£80K, dependant on skills and experience. Performance-based incentive package (high variable component).
Main Purpose of the Senior Business Development Manager:
Reporting to Chief Executive Officer, seeking an accomplished and execution-focused Senior Business Development Manager to build strategic, long-term, and commercially meaningful relationships across the UK and the core European markets. This is a high-impact individual contributor role for a senior professional with a proven network and ability to independently originate, negotiate, and close high-value contracts.
The successful candidate will grow and convert a qualified pipeline of aerospace and defence opportunities with primes and government buyers, while expanding strategic partnerships and bringing new partners into the business. They will be a trusted commercial face of the business in the UK and Europe, actively engaged in client relationships and key industry forums.
Key Accountabilities:
- Owning the end-to-end sales cycle from prospecting to contract close across UK and European markets.
- Growing existing customer partnerships, while developing and executing strategies for net-new revenue.
- Engaging directly with senior procurement, programme, and executive stakeholders at primes and government entities.
- Driving forward deals aligned to strategic platforms, ensuring mutual value creation.
- Championing the Company’s differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality.
- Providing commercial input to bid and pricing strategies in collaboration with CEO and Finance.
- Representing the Company at major defence and aerospace exhibitions, industry events, and trade bodies.
- Developing an active pipeline with clear prioritisation and accountability for progress.
- Leading on deal diligence, qualification, and closure, including coordination of legal, technical, and operational inputs.
- Feeding market insights, customer requirements, and competitor intelligence into our business and technological roadmap.
Held a Senior executive-level relevant role within aerospace, defence, or advanced manufacturing. The candidate needs to be able to demonstrate experience with access to decision makers at major primes (e.g., BAE, Airbus, Lockheed, Leonardo) and/or government buyers with securing defence contracts. Proven ability to structure and close multimillion-pound or euro long-term or framework agreements. Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-led approach, and entrepreneurial mindset. Ability to work independently, transparently, and with full accountability to financial outcomes. Deep understanding of customer needs, procurement dynamics, and value drivers in defence manufacturing. Willing to travel regularly within Europe and the UK. Ability to anticipate and interpret market needs, and translate them into commercial and strategic opportunities for growth.
Senior Business Development Manager - Aerospace employer: Willis Global
Contact Detail:
Willis Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager - Aerospace
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, exhibitions, and forums where you can meet key decision-makers from major primes and government buyers. Building these relationships can give you a significant edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the aerospace and defence industries. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully closed high-value contracts in the past. Highlighting your proven track record will showcase your ability to deliver results, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's differentiators in compliance, delivery, digitisation, and quality. Being able to articulate how these factors align with your experience and the needs of potential clients can set you apart during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - Aerospace
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, particularly within the aerospace and defence sectors. Use specific examples of contracts you've closed and relationships you've built to demonstrate your capabilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your strategic thinking and execution-led approach align with the company's goals. Mention your experience with major primes and government buyers, showcasing your ability to secure high-value contracts.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements such as revenue growth, successful partnerships, and any awards or recognitions received. This will help illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the aerospace and defence markets in your application. Discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities that you can leverage to benefit the company, showing that you're not just a candidate but a thought leader in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Global
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and the aerospace industry. Understand their key projects, competitors, and market trends. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in business development, particularly in the aerospace or defence sectors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role requires a proven network within the aerospace and defence sectors, be prepared to discuss your connections with decision-makers at major primes and government buyers. Highlight any successful partnerships or contracts you've secured in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions that show your strategic thinking and understanding of the company's challenges. Inquire about their future plans in the aerospace sector or how they measure success in business development roles.
