The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.
Sales & Business Development – Defence
Remote | Occasional travel across Ireland & Europe
€90,000–€120,000 DOE + Commission/Bonus
EU work eligibility required for security clearance purposes
The Opportunity
Our client is a fast-growing defence technology business preparing for Series A funding next year, with ambitious plans to scale across Europe and international markets.
We are looking for a senior Defence Sales & Business Development professional with strong industry relationships, procurement expertise and a proven track record of winning complex, high-value defence programmes.
You will take ownership of strategic customer relationships and capture opportunities across defence forces, Ministries of Defence, NATO and wider security organisations. Working closely with product, engineering and leadership teams, you will help shape customer requirements, develop solutions and drive opportunities through to contract.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and manage senior relationships across military, government and defence procurement organisations.
- Identify, shape and lead high-value defence opportunities and capture campaigns.
- Develop a multi-year sales pipeline across Europe and selected international markets.
- Translate operational requirements into compelling solutions and commercial proposals.
- Lead bids, negotiations and customer engagements through to contract award.
- Monitor procurement programmes, competitors and emerging defence capability requirements.
- Represent the business at defence exhibitions, industry events and senior stakeholder engagements.
- Help shape product and market strategy through direct customer and operational insight.
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years' experience in defence, military, procurement or defence-industry business development.
- Proven success selling into European MoDs, NATO, government agencies or major defence organisations.
- An established network of senior military, government and procurement contacts. xgikmsk
- Experience with complex defence programmes, ideally across areas such as C4ISR, cyber, space, unmanned systems, sensors or platforms.
Business Development Manager in Magherafelt employer: IO Associates
Join a leading engineering organisation that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-performance solutions in safety-critical environments. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor fellow engineers and shape technical direction while working in an Agile/SAFe environment. Located in the UK, this role provides a unique chance to be part of cutting-edge projects in defence, aerospace, and industrial technology, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
