Business Manager (Defence) in Bristol

Permanent, Hybrid Working Based in Bristol, Plymouth, Liverpool, Portsmouth, or Cardiff.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Defence Business Manager to play a leading role in driving growth across UK Defence Land and Air markets in particular. This senior, strategic position offers the opportunity to shape sector direction, build strong customer and partner relationships, and lead business development activities in a highly respected consultancy environment. You will work closely with technical delivery teams and sector leaders to identify, influence, and secure new opportunities while ensuring excellent customer outcomes across an active project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead delivery of a 5-year strategic plan for the Defence Land & Air sectors, aligned with company objectives
• Own and deliver the annual plan, collaborating with leaders across other business areas
• Lead business development activity, identifying and pursuing new opportunities and relationships
• Influence and capture opportunities to achieve order and growth targets
• Analyse market drivers and help shape service offerings to meet evolving client needs
• Build and maintain high-performing relationships with customers, collaborators, and delivery partners
• Lead and oversee bid and proposal development, ensuring compelling and competitive submissions
• Mentor and support colleagues developing business development and capture skills
• Maintain strong customer relationships while supporting quality, profitability, and delivery across projects
• Hold overall responsibility for customer, partner, and collaborator interactions
• Provide regular pipeline and business development updates to senior leadership

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A background in the UK Defence sector, ideally within a consultancy environment
• Experience across Land and/or Air systems, such as Land Systems, Soldier Systems, Air Systems, or CyberEM Defence
• Strong customer relationship management skills with an established network and positive industry reputation
• A proven track record in strategic planning, business development, capture planning, and delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Commercial awareness and the ability to guide bid and project decision-making
• Effective leadership skills, with the ability to motivate individuals and teams across the business

Due to the nature of the work, eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance is required.

What’s On Offer

• You’ll join an organisation that values long-term, sustainable growth and empowers individuals to shape the future of the business.
• In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include:
• Friendly, collaborative working environment
• Support for professional institution membership
• Extensive training and development (consultancy skills and technical development)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Annual bonus linked to personal performance and company profitability
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Holiday buy/sell options
• Company pension scheme
• Optional private medical insurance (post-probation)
• Life insurance
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme

A genuine employee-owned culture, where staff have a meaningful stake in the business's success. Decisions focused on long-term stability and sustainable growth, not short-term shareholder profits. Increased transparency and trust, with leadership accountable to employees. A collaborative environment where your voice and ideas help shape the future of the organisation. Shared success, with employees benefiting directly from strong business performance.