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, bonuses, EV scheme, and more.
- Other info: Participate in adventure training and build connections across the organisation.
- Why this job: Shape the organisation’s growth strategy and make a strategic impact.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic thinking and proven results in high-pressure environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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.
Why AirTanker?
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.
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 employer: AirTanker
AirTanker is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of the UK's defence capabilities while working in a dynamic and innovative environment. With comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and a contributory pension, alongside opportunities for personal growth through adventure training and family events, employees are encouraged to thrive both professionally and personally. The company's commitment to strategic impact and market visibility ensures that you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth and building lasting relationships across civil and military markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from the company, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in business development. Share specific examples of how you've driven revenue growth or built strategic partnerships – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on AirTanker and the markets they operate in. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in civil and military sectors. The more you know, the better you can demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Follow Up
After any meeting or interview, send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development
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 complex negotiations and bid processes.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 the role. Understand current trends, key players, and challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're ready to lead business development effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built and developed high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in complex environments. This will highlight your ability to operate at a senior level and drive results.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since you'll be leading high-value negotiations, brush up on your negotiation strategies. Think of past experiences where you successfully navigated tough negotiations and be prepared to share these stories. This will illustrate your capability to secure new business and manage contracts.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand AirTanker’s mission and values, especially their focus on defence capability and commercial innovation. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to shaping their growth strategy. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
