At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business in the Defence sector and build key relationships.
- Company: Market-leading engineering group specialising in fluid control and power solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape a new vertical in a fast-growing defence market with autonomy.
- 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
UK-wide Defence BD Manager – Hydraulic Systems employer: Ganymede
As a market-leading engineering and distribution group, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and growth within the Defence sector. Our employees benefit from a competitive salary, a generous bonus scheme, and a fully expensed company car, alongside 25 days of holiday and opportunities for long-term career advancement. With a strong focus on collaboration and support, you will have the autonomy to shape your role and make a significant impact in a rapidly expanding industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK-wide Defence BD Manager – Hydraulic Systems
✨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. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry peers, make sure to highlight your experience in technical sales and business development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully sold into the Defence sector to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, even if they’re not advertising a position. Express your enthusiasm for their work in hydraulic systems and how you can contribute to their growth in the Defence market.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for roles like the UK-wide Defence BD Manager. Apply through us to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and keep an eye on new opportunities as they come up!
We think you need these skills to ace UK-wide Defence BD Manager – Hydraulic Systems
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 our needs!
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 genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to hydraulic systems or working with Tier 1 & Tier 2 contractors. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ganymede
✨Know Your Hydraulic Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hydraulic systems and components. Understand the products the company offers, like hydraulic power packs and valve assemblies, so you can speak confidently about how they fit into the defence sector.
✨Showcase Your Sales Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in technical sales or business development, especially within the defence sector. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your success in building relationships with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with procurement and engineering stakeholders. Highlight any strategies you've used to engage senior decision-makers and how those relationships have led to successful projects.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy and Initiative
Since this role is about building a presence in a growing sector, share examples of times when you've taken the initiative to develop new business from scratch. Show that you're self-motivated and ready to take ownership of your projects.
