At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business in the Defence sector and build key relationships.
- Company: Market-leading engineering group with a focus on fluid control and power solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Autonomy to create a strong presence in a rapidly expanding industry.
- Why this job: Shape a new vertical in a fast-growing market with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical sales within the Defence sector is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: UK-wide
Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + bonus + company car + benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
We are working on behalf of a market‑leading UK engineering and distribution group specialising in fluid control and power solutions. With £112M+ annual turnover, 600 employees, and a national network of engineering centres, the business delivers high‑performance hydraulic and pneumatic systems to major industries across the UK. The company combines distribution scale with bespoke engineering capability, designing and manufacturing systems such as:
- Hydraulic power packs & cylinders
- High‑pressure and filtration systems
- Valve assemblies & pipework
- Compressor and lubrication systems
With a strong footprint across aerospace, defence, manufacturing and infrastructure projects (including high‑profile UK installations), the business is now investing in significant growth within the Defence sector.
Responsibilities
- Drive new business development targeting Tier 1 & Tier 2 defence contractors (e.g. prime contractors and supply chain partners)
- Build relationships across procurement, engineering and technical stakeholders
- Win and manage projects involving hydraulic systems and components
- Develop a pipeline across Land, Sea and Air defence programmes
- Position the business as a key supply‑chain partner for both components and engineered solutions
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams to deliver tailored solutions
This is a true "build" role – you will have autonomy and the opportunity to create a strong presence in a rapidly growing sector.
Why Join?
- Join a fast‑growing engineering group targeting £125M turnover
- Huge opportunity in a high‑growth UK defence market
- Ability to shape and own a new vertical within the business
- Work with industry‑leading manufacturers and technologies
- Strong internal engineering support and national infrastructure
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in technical sales or business development within engineering
- Strong track record selling into the Defence sector (essential)
- Experience selling systems, components or engineered solutions
- Ability to develop new business from scratch
- Confidence engaging with senior technical and procurement stakeholders
- Self‑motivation, commercial awareness and strong relationship‑building skills
Package & Benefits
- Basic salary: £55,000 – £75,000
- Group bonus scheme
- Company car (fully expensed)
- Pension
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Long‑term career growth within a scaling organisation
Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide) employer: Ganymede
As a market-leading engineering and distribution group, we offer an exceptional work environment for our Business Development Managers in the Defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the autonomy to shape your role while benefiting from robust internal support and a collaborative culture. Our commitment to innovation and excellence, combined with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, makes us an outstanding employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a high-growth industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience in technical sales and business development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the defence sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their position in the market and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth in the defence sector. Tailor your pitch to show how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications and updates!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience in technical sales and business development, especially within the Defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the Defence sector and how you can drive new business development. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or achievements.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:In this role, building relationships is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. We love hearing about your experiences and successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ganymede
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the defence sector. Understand the key players, especially Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Sales Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully sold engineering solutions or components. Highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role, especially in terms of building relationships with technical stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've developed and maintained relationships in previous roles. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your ability to engage with senior procurement and engineering teams, as this is crucial for success in this position.
✨Prepare Questions That Show Your Interest
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview that demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Inquire about their growth plans in the defence sector or how they collaborate with internal engineering teams to deliver tailored solutions.
