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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development in Defence and secure technology, shaping opportunities and driving growth.
- Company: Established Defence Cyber Security Vendor with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, significant bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and remote-first flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a strategic impact in national Defence programmes while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in Defence BD and strong network within MOD/UK Defence.
- Other info: Remote role with travel to MOD sites; ideal for strategic thinkers.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: UK - Remote / Flexible (MOD Site Travel Required)
Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 basic + Significant bonus + package (Negotiable for the right candidate)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Overview
Applause IT are working with an established Defence Cyber Sec Vendor to recruit a new Head of Business Development to lead growth across UK Defence, MOD and secure government technology markets. This senior role will suit an experienced defence-focused BD leader with a strong network, strategic mindset and the ability to convert complex opportunities into long-term revenue.
Location & Travel
This is a remote-first role with regular travel to MOD and Defence client sites. Ideal candidate location: Along the M4 corridor, or must live south of Birmingham. Ideal locations include Cheltenham, Oxford, Swindon, Reading, Bristol. Counties of Berks, Bucks, Beds, Herts, Wilts, Northants, Glos, Worcs, Avon. Candidates based on the South Coast are unlikely to be suitable due to travel requirements across multiple MOD locations nearer M4 corridor.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute a Defence-focused business development strategy
- Identify, shape and win opportunities across MOD, Defence primes and secure government clients
- Build and maintain senior relationships at 2, 1 and B1 level
- Manage long sales cycles, frameworks and complex procurement processes
- Develop compelling value propositions for secure and cyber-resilient technologies
- Represent the business at defence industry events and forums
- Line manage and develop members of the Business Development team
- Collaborate with marketing, engineering and delivery teams to drive growth
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in Defence Business Development
- Strong current relevant network within MOD / UK Defence
- Experience selling secure IT, cyber security, information assurance or high-assurance systems
- Senior stakeholder engagement at 2, 1 and B1 levels
- Strong understanding of Defence procurement and frameworks
- Commercial strategy, pipeline development and revenue growth
- Ability to translate technical solutions into commercial value
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, commercially focused and results-driven
- Confident, credible and persuasive communicator
- Highly organised with strong planning capability
- Adaptable, resilient and comfortable with ambiguity
- Trusted and discreet in sensitive environments
Package
- £100,000 - £120,000 basic salary
- Significant performance-related bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Remote-first working with flexibility
- Opportunity to work on nationally critical Defence programmes
Apply Now
If you are a Defence-focused Head of Business Development looking for a senior leadership role with real strategic impact, apply now.
Head of Business Development - Defence / Secure Technology in Reading employer: Applause IT
Contact Detail:
Applause IT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development - Defence / Secure Technology in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to your existing contacts. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in Defence Business Development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex procurement processes or built strong relationships at senior levels. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every opportunity is unique, so tailor your pitch to fit the specific needs of the MOD or defence primes you're targeting. We recommend doing your homework on their current projects and challenges, then position yourself as the solution they need. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get you into that Head of Business Development position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development - Defence / Secure Technology in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Business Development in Defence. Highlight your experience with MOD and secure technology, and don’t forget to showcase your network and strategic mindset!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements in business development and how they relate to the defence sector.
Showcase Your Network: Since this role requires strong relationships within MOD and UK Defence, make sure to mention any relevant connections or partnerships you've built. This can really set you apart from other candidates!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applause IT
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest trends and challenges in the defence sector. Research current MOD initiatives and understand how your potential employer fits into that landscape. This will help you demonstrate your strategic mindset during the interview.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections within the MOD and UK Defence community. Be prepared to discuss how these relationships can benefit the company. If you can show that you have a strong network, it’ll highlight your ability to drive growth and win opportunities.
✨Master the Art of Value Proposition
Prepare to articulate compelling value propositions for secure and cyber-resilient technologies. Think about how you can translate complex technical solutions into commercial value. This is crucial for convincing interviewers that you can manage long sales cycles effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior role, they’ll want to see your leadership capabilities. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and developing talent. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully led a team through complex procurement processes or driven significant revenue growth.
