Business Development Manager - Defence

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Business Development Manager with a focus on the defence sector. This role is critical for driving our growth strategy within the defence industry, expanding our client base, and fostering long-term relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, knowledge of the defence landscape including MoD and industry primes, excellent communication skills, and a passion for innovation.

What You’ll Do (Duties)

1. Implement Defence Sector Growth Strategies: Execute comprehensive business development plans, in collaboration with the Market Development Team to achieve company growth targets within the defence sector.
2. Client Acquisition: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including lead generation, prospecting, and closing deals within the defence industry.
3. Focus on low value opportunities (initially <£200k, to be reviewed and updated), with a goal of building and maintaining 3x target late-stage deals in the pipeline.
4. Supporting programme delivery with acquisition of industry partners from across the Commercial Team network.
5. Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients, partners, and industry stakeholders in the defence sector.
6. Support the development of commercial accounts where appropriate.
7. Collaboration: Work closely with the Leadership, Markets, Sales Enablement and Place Teams to align business development efforts with overall company goals.
8. Identifying potential high value opportunities to develop in collaboration with the Commercial Team.
9. Pitching Digital Catapult Offerings: Prepare and present compelling pitches and presentations of our offerings to potential clients.
10. Performance Tracking: Monitor and report on business development activities, performance metrics, and outcomes.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)

1. Experience: Significant experience in business development within the defence sector. Demonstrable evidence of pipeline building and sales closure.
2. Education: Ideally educated to degree level in Business, Marketing, or a related field (such as engineering with defence domain knowledge) or qualified by experience. An MBA or equivalent would be advantageous.
3. Skills: Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to think strategically and execute tactically. Building pipeline and sales.
4. Attributes: Self-confident, driven and determined, results-oriented, able to work independently / autonomously and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
5. Network: Established network within the defence industry is highly desirable, especially within the MoD and industry primes.

Deadline for Applications: Monday 3rd March @ 5pm

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We are part of the Catapult network and we are actively committed to our Inclusivity in Innovation Charter, about which you can find out more here .

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

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