Business Development Director-Aerospace, Defence & Industrial in Swadlincote

Location: Mercia Park (DE12), will involve travel across the UK as required.

Are you a commercially driven leader with deep expertise in the Aerospace, Defence and Industrial sector? Do you thrive on winning complex new business, influencing senior stakeholders, and shaping growth strategies in dynamic markets? At DSV, your work has a real impact. You will lead the growth of one of our most strategic sectors, helping customers build resilient, innovative, and high-performing supply chains. As Business Development Director, you will drive commercial success, develop long-term customer partnerships, and position DSV as the logistics partner of choice across the UK.

As Aerospace, Defence & Industrial Sector Director, you will be responsible for leading and growing DSV's Aerospace, Defence & Industrial sector within Contract Logistics across the UK. You will develop and execute the sector growth strategy, identify and secure major new business opportunities, and expand existing customer relationships. Working closely with internal stakeholders across operations, solutions design, engineering, IT, finance and procurement, you will create innovative logistics solutions that deliver measurable value for customers and sustainable growth for DSV. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strategic thinking, strong commercial acumen, industry expertise, and the ability to influence at executive level.

What will you be doing?

• Lead the Aerospace, Defence & Industrial sector across the UK with clear strategic direction, measurable objectives and ambitious growth targets.
• Develop and own the UK Aerospace, Defence & Industrial commercial growth strategy aligned to DSV Contract Logistics' overall business objectives.
• Identify, qualify and convert major new business opportunities with OEMs, defence primes, Tier 1 suppliers, advanced manufacturers and industrial organisations.
• Drive significant new business revenue through proactive prospecting, solution selling and strategic account penetration.
• Develop deep market intelligence covering customer strategies, industry trends, geopolitical influences, government investment and emerging supply chain requirements.
• Represent DSV within key Aerospace, Defence and Industrial industry bodies, trade associations, exhibitions and networking events to enhance market visibility.
• Lead complex bid and tender activities, ensuring commercially competitive, innovative and operationally deliverable Contract Logistics solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Solutions Design, Engineering, IT, Finance and Procurement to develop differentiated customer propositions.
• Champion innovation across the sector, leveraging automation, digitalisation, sustainability and supply chain resilience to create competitive advantage.
• Build strong relationships across the DSV global network to leverage international capabilities for multinational Aerospace & Defence customers.
• Maintain accurate sales pipeline management within Microsoft Dynamics CRM and deliver regular forecasting against agreed business targets.
• Implement the sector business development plan and track success and failures for feedback and strategy evolution.
• Drive a clear and agreed marketing plan, with the marketing team, to include social media plans, events and industry bodies.
• Prospect, hunt and hone targets through to tender and business wins – to meet or exceed set targets.
• Lead and engender a culture of open communication, personal responsibility, and accountability in all those employed across the team.
• As a senior member of the DSV Business Development Leadership team support leadership forums and thought leadership for the business.

About You

• Proven commercial leadership experience within Aerospace, Defence and/or Industrial logistics.
• Strong understanding of Contract Logistics, warehousing, manufacturing support and integrated supply chain solutions.
• Demonstrated success winning complex, high-value strategic business opportunities.
• Deep knowledge of Aerospace & Defence supply chains, manufacturing operations and operational excellence.
• Established network across OEMs, defence contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and industrial manufacturers.
• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience.
• Clear ability to interact at a senior level both internally and externally, requiring a high degree of gravitas, impact, and credibility.
• Demonstrate an excellent track record of delivering results through strong negotiation skills in complex and highly competitive environments for renewals and new business.
• High level of numeracy and literacy.
• Inspire trust and respect, providing strong direction with clear objectives.
• Ability to lead effectively within a matrix structure, where influencing is required at times rather than direct line management.

What we offer

Competitive Salary Package and an opportunity to be a part of and grow within a driven and successful company, with a team of 160,000, operating in over 90 countries. In addition, we can offer access to a selection of employee benefits, such as:

• Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement from your start, which increases with length of service.
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme for Ultra-Low Emissions Cars.
• Salary Sacrifice Cycle Scheme.
• WeCare App, for support with physical and mental wellbeing, including access to GPs for you and your dependents.
• LifeWorks app for access to cashback and discounts on high street and online brands.
• Life Insurance which includes access to expert probate support.

Ready to make your next move? Apply today with your CV and help shape the future of Aerospace, Defence & Industrial logistics with DSV.

Please be aware that all successful candidates will undergo necessary right-to-work checks and certain sites require 5-years’ worth of referencing and criminal record checks. We do not accept CV details from Recruitment Agencies unless DSV have engaged directly regarding the role requirements beforehand.

DSV – Global transport and logistics. Working at DSV means playing in a different league. As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements. With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you. At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.

Start here. Go anywhere. Visit dsv.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.