Business Development Manager (Defence) in London

Business Development Manager (Defence) in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Disruptive Industries

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive new business and expand accounts in Defence and Government sectors.
  • Company: Disruptive Industries, pioneers of innovation in strategic intelligence.
  • Benefits: Private health care, share options, generous holiday allowance, and hybrid working.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to growth and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful solutions while building trusted relationships in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: 5-10+ years in business development, especially in SaaS or Defence sectors.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

About Us: At Disruptive Industries, we are pioneers of innovation in a world where informed decisions are crucial to success. We specialise in delivering transformative technology solutions that redefine the standards for strategic intelligence and risk awareness. As natural disruptors, we challenge the status quo, pushing beyond conventional limits to provide deeper, faster insights into the threats and risks that matter most to our clients.

The Opportunity: We’re seeking an experienced Business Development Manager who will be responsible for driving new business and expanding existing accounts across the Defence and wider Government ecosystem. Reporting to the VP of Growth (Global), you will support the execution of the go-to-market plan for the Public Sector, with a particular focus on Defence, Security, and Government clients. This is a hands-on role focused on building pipeline, qualifying opportunities, and closing deals within highly complex procurement environments. You’ll collaborate closely with Product, Mission Operations, and Customer Success to ensure our solutions address mission-critical challenges, while fostering trusted relationships across Defence and Government stakeholders.

What You’ll Do:

  • Revenue Delivery: Achieve individual sales targets by securing new business and expanding existing accounts across Defence, Security, and Government. Proven experience in closing contracts in the 1m-50m range with a strong focus on software products.
  • Pipeline Generation: Build, manage, and qualify a strong pipeline of opportunities, leveraging CRM best practice to ensure accurate forecasting and data quality.
  • Opportunity Management: Lead the qualification of opportunities through structured gate reviews, ensuring focus on winnable, high-value opportunities.
  • Procurement & Contracts: Navigate Government and Defence procurement frameworks, with an understanding of budgeting, contracting processes, and compliance requirements.
  • Proposals & Tenders: Experience in the preparation of bids, proposals, and RFP responses, ensuring timely, compliant, and commercially sound submissions.
  • Collaboration: Partner with internal teams to shape proposals and sector-specific value propositions; ensure alignment between delivery capability and client needs.
  • Market Engagement: Represent the company at Defence and Government events, conferences, and meetings, building visibility and deepening networks.
  • Customer Growth: Support retention and expansion efforts within Defence and Government accounts, ensuring long-term, recurring revenue growth.
  • Mentorship & Culture: Contribute to fostering a strong growth culture in the Global team by sharing best practices and coaching peers.

What You’ll Bring:

  • 5-10+ years of business development or sales experience within SaaS, Defence, or National Security sectors.
  • Strong track record of selling into UK Government, or Defence & Security supply chains.
  • Demonstrated ability to build pipeline, qualify opportunities, and manage complex procurement processes.
  • Proven experience in closing contracts in the 1m-50m range with a strong focus on software products.
  • Familiarity with Government budgeting cycles, contract structures, and tendering frameworks.
  • Experience preparing and managing proposals, bids, and RFP responses.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with established networks across Defence and UK Gov departments.
  • Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable working with technical and non-technical teams.
  • Self-starter, commercially astute, and motivated by delivering against ambitious growth targets.

If you’re a driven business development professional motivated by solving complex challenges, building trusted relationships, and driving growth within the Defence and Government space, we’d love to hear from you! Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping our impact across the public sector.

Our Benefits: Bupa Private Health Care & Dental, EMI Share Options Scheme, Wellness & Health Activity Contribution, 33 day per year holiday allowance (including bank holidays), Birthday Off, Pension Scheme, Enhanced Family Leave Policies, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Hybrid Working.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to building a genuinely diverse and inclusive workplace. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels they belong, where different perspectives are valued, and where equal access to opportunities and resources is ensured. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to support your needs.

Business Development Manager (Defence) in London employer: Disruptive Industries

At Disruptive Industries, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including private health care, generous holiday allowances, and hybrid working options, all designed to support a healthy work-life balance. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also allows you to make a meaningful impact within the Defence and Government sectors, while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.

Disruptive Industries

Contact Details:

Disruptive Industries Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager (Defence) in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meet-ups related to Defence and Government. This is your chance to connect with key players and showcase your expertise in business development.

Tip Number 2

Leverage LinkedIn to its fullest! Update your profile to reflect your experience in the Defence sector and engage with relevant content. Don’t hesitate to reach out to connections for potential opportunities or insights.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges in the Defence space. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills can directly address their needs and contribute to their growth.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the Defence and Government sectors.

How to prepare for a job interview at Disruptive Industries

Know Your Numbers

As a Business Development Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to close deals in the £1m-£50m range. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of contracts you've secured and how you navigated complex procurement processes. This shows you understand the stakes and can deliver results.

Master the Procurement Landscape

Familiarise yourself with Government and Defence procurement frameworks before the interview. Understanding budgeting cycles and compliance requirements will help you speak confidently about how you can navigate these environments effectively, which is crucial for this role.

Showcase Your Networking Skills

Highlight your established networks across Defence and UK Government departments. Be ready to share how you've built and maintained these relationships, as collaboration is key in this role. Mention any relevant events or conferences you've attended to demonstrate your market engagement.

Prepare for Proposal Discussions

Since you'll be involved in preparing bids and proposals, come equipped with examples of successful submissions you've managed. Discuss your approach to ensuring compliance and commercial viability, as this will show your understanding of what it takes to win in competitive tendering.