At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development and sales across civil and military markets to drive revenue growth.
- Company: Join AirTanker, a key player in the UK's defence capability.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, bonus schemes, and adventure training opportunities.
- Other info: Engage in battlefield tours and build connections across the organisation.
- Why this job: Shape the organisation’s growth strategy and make a real impact in defence.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic thinking, leadership skills, and proven results in business development.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
We are looking for a senior commercial leader to lead business development and sales across civil and military markets. You will drive revenue growth, build strategic relationships, and deliver the organisation’s long term growth strategy. You will operate at senior level with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation.
As Head of Business Development, you will lead all business development and sales activity across civil and military markets. You will drive revenue growth, secure new business, and build strong relationships with key customers and partners. You will shape strategy and ensure commercial opportunities move effectively from pipeline to contract and into delivery.
What's in it for you?
- Strategic impact: Shape the organisation’s growth strategy and influence long term direction across civil and military markets.
- Commercial ownership: Take full accountability for revenue growth, pipeline, and major deal delivery.
- Market visibility: Represent the organisation externally in key forums, strengthening market position and reputation.
- Comprehensive benefits: Access private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and additional company benefits.
- Adventure and belonging: Take part in battlefield tours, adventure training, and family events. Build strong connections across the organisation.
What you'll be doing
- Lead delivery of the business development and growth strategy.
- Own annual and multi-year revenue, pipeline, and margin targets.
- Set direction for sales, marketing, and market engagement.
- Shape competitive positioning and value propositions.
- Build and maintain senior relationships across civil and military customers.
- Lead high value negotiations through to contract award.
- Oversee transition from contract award into delivery.
- Drive a customer focused and commercially disciplined culture.
- Own bid governance, strategy, and submission quality.
- Lead cross functional bid teams on complex opportunities.
- Act as senior decision maker on bid risks and approvals.
- Deliver business development budget and sales targets.
- Track pipeline performance, win rates, and return on investment.
- Provide clear reporting and insight to senior leadership.
- Lead annual sales planning and budget management.
- Ensure capability and resourcing meet growth demands.
- Oversee effective use of assets supporting commercial activity.
- Maintain strong awareness of aviation and defence regulation.
- Ensure all activity aligns with regulatory and compliance requirements.
What you'll bring
- Strong strategic thinking with clear commercial focus.
- Proven ability to deliver results against demanding growth targets.
- Confidence operating at senior level with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high performing teams.
- Sound judgement in complex and fast paced environments.
- Ability to prioritise, make decisions, and drive outcomes.
- Clear communication and influencing skills across all levels.
Head of Business Development in Carterton employer: AirTanker
AirTanker is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of defence capabilities in the UK while working at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a contributory pension, and a vibrant work culture that encourages adventure and connection, you will thrive in a role that not only drives strategic impact but also fosters meaningful relationships across civil and military markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development in Carterton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how you can drive revenue growth and build strategic relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and delivered results in complex environments. This will demonstrate your fit for a senior role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development in Carterton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in business development and sales, especially in civil and military markets. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Business Development role. Share specific examples of how you've driven revenue growth and built strategic relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead high-performing teams. In your application, highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams to achieve business goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at AirTanker!
How to prepare for a job interview at AirTanker
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the civil and military markets relevant to AirTanker. Understand current trends, key players, and potential challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial focus during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in building high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led negotiations and driven outcomes in complex environments, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building
Think of specific instances where you've built and maintained senior relationships with customers or partners. Share how these relationships contributed to revenue growth or successful contract awards, showcasing your ability to operate at a senior level.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about shaping growth strategies and competitive positioning. Prepare to discuss your approach to developing value propositions and how you would align business development activities with regulatory and compliance requirements in the aviation and defence sectors.