Business Development Lead - Defence Sector

We are seeking a driven Business Development Manager to spearhead growth in our well-established and well-respected defence sector. Working with a strong, established leadership team, you will be responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities, nurturing key client relationships, and supporting the strategic direction of our defence practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in MOD, partner organisations, defence primes, and other related government agencies.
• Your main focus will be on winning work in new business areas where the group does not already have a significant presence.
• Identify, qualify and secure new business opportunities across the Defence sector on behalf of the Actica Group of companies: Actica Consulting, Gemba Advantage and Ntegra.
• Manage the end-to-end business development lifecycle: lead generation, tendering and bid development, proposal writing, negotiation, and contract closure.
• Work closely with consulting teams to align client needs with internal capabilities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging client demands to inform strategic planning.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and networking forums, promoting the activities and services that the Actica Group provides.
• Contribute to the development of go-to-market strategies and campaigns.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required:

• Proven experience in business development.
• Proven experience in Defence sector working within consulting or technology delivery.
• Strong network of contacts within UK Defence.
• Proven ability to close complex deals and navigate public sector procurement processes.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working on bids and tenders, ideally with frameworks like CCS, DOS, or DSP.
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking ability.
• Highly self-motivated with a results-driven mindset.
• Eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC level minimum).

Desirable:

• Background in management consulting or delivery of digital transformation programmes.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be eligible and willing to obtain UK Government Security Clearance.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, including resolving issues and identifying new opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid working model, with an office base in Guildford, Surrey and access to our other offices in London, Swindon and Cheltenham.
• The practicalities of some project work means that individuals may need to stay away from home during the working week.
• Team-based project environment with opportunities to participate in internal initiatives.

Career Development:

A Mentor will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout your journey with Actica. You will also work with a Performance and Development Manager, often outside of your project line of control, who will conduct regular reviews based on project feedback to set career objectives and identify training courses which are both relevant to your current project work, and aligned with your planned career progression.

Our Commitment to Diversity:

Actica aims to nurture a diverse workforce through inclusive working practices, promoting equality in our recruitment activities, and by employing candidates on the basis of merit. Discrimination against individuals on the grounds of protected characteristics is not permitted and we take steps to ensure that our staff are made aware of their legal responsibilities when making hiring decisions.

We offer a competitive suite of benefits including:

• Competitive Salary with additional significant bonus based on achieving sales targets.
• Additional benefits package including Private Medical, Electric Care Leasing and Stakeholder Pension.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development and training budget.
• A collaborative and high-impact team environment.

About Actica:

Actica Consulting is a growing Technology Consultancy that works on some of the most nationally critical technology projects. We specialise in delivering complex projects to limited timescales. Our customers include a wide range of public sector organisations; such as, the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence, HM Treasury, the Ministry of Justice, Police Forces, Fire Services and the NHS; as well as a range of national and international companies across the private sector.

Candidates must be eligible and willing to gain high level UK Security Clearance to apply for this position.