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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth in the defence sector and build strong industry networks.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on military vehicle platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of defence innovation and secure key partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in defence business development and strong networking skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant travel across the UK and Europe.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Defence Business Development Manager on behalf of one of our clients. You will be responsible for building company presence in the UK and European defence sector, with a primary focus on securing product specifications on military vehicle platforms. The role is central to achieving the strategic objective of becoming a key partner to leading defence primes. Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel; however, all candidates will be given due consideration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Map the defence vehicle landscape across the UK and Europe, identifying new programmes and business opportunities.
- Position the company as a preferred supplier within military vehicle supply chains.
- Build and maintain strong networks with defence primes and industry influencers.
- Develop trusted relationships with programme decision‑makers, procurement leads and engineers.
- Drive pipeline growth by winning new specifications for company products.
- Support bid processes with technical and commercial input.
- Deliver revenue growth targets aligned with the defence strategy.
- Track defence budgets, procurement timelines and competitor activity.
- Provide regular pipeline updates, forecasts and account development reports to leadership.
- Represent the company at trade shows, industry events and customer meetings.
- Promote the company brand and build visibility in the defence community.
- UK‑based, with significant travel across UK and Europe.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Significant experience in business development within the defence vehicle sector.
- Strong, active network within UK and European defence primes.
- Demonstrated success in influencing specifications and securing new programme wins.
- Ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders across technical and commercial functions.
- High level of commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
- Winning mindset with strong initiative and drive.
- Professional credibility and integrity in a sensitive, regulated sector.
- Collaborative working style, able to partner with engineering, operations and leadership teams.
- Resilient, adaptable and motivated by challenging goals.
Desirable:
- Understanding of vehicle systems integration and supply chain complexities.
- Additional European language skills (e.g., German or French).
- Number of new vehicle programmes where products are specified.
- Annual growth in defence sector revenue.
- Achieving agreed activity targets.
- Quality and accuracy of pipeline reporting and forecasts.
- Depth and breadth of strategic relationships with defence primes.
Business Development Manager – Defence in Winchester employer: First Military Recruitment
Contact Detail:
First Military Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager – Defence in Winchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start building connections! Attend defence industry events, trade shows, and networking meet-ups. The more people you know in the sector, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on military vehicle platforms and demonstrate your knowledge of the defence landscape. This will help position you as a go-to expert in the field.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After meeting someone, drop them a quick email or LinkedIn message to thank them for their time. Keep the conversation going by sharing relevant articles or insights. This keeps you on their radar and shows you're genuinely interested in the industry.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers who value proactive candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager – Defence in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Defence Business Development Manager. Highlight your experience in the defence vehicle sector and any relevant networks you have within UK and European defence primes.
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 that demonstrate your ability to secure new programme wins and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Network: In your application, don’t forget to mention your existing connections within the defence community. This can really set you apart, as building and maintaining strong networks is key to this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Military Recruitment
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, make sure you research the UK and European defence vehicle sector thoroughly. Understand the key players, current programmes, and emerging opportunities. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can position the company as a preferred supplier.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building strong networks is crucial for this role, think about your existing connections in the defence industry. Be ready to discuss how you’ve leveraged these relationships in the past and how you plan to expand them further. Mention specific contacts or organisations that could be beneficial.
✨Showcase Your Winning Mindset
Prepare examples that demonstrate your winning mindset and ability to drive pipeline growth. Share stories of how you've successfully influenced specifications or secured new programme wins. Highlight your commercial acumen and negotiation skills with concrete results.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
The defence sector can be sensitive and regulated, so be prepared to talk about how you've navigated challenges in the past. Discuss your resilience and adaptability, and provide examples of how you've met challenging goals while maintaining professional integrity.
