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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by securing new commercial opportunities in the Defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading AI and Machine Learning company focused on Defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid working, and a chance to shape the future of Defence.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leadership in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing sector with innovative technology solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven business development experience in Defence and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 95000 £ per year.
MFK Recruitment is proud to be working with a long-standing and highly successful client in the Defence AI sector. We have recruited for this business for 5 years, placing 4 people with them, and all 4 are still with the company. Our client is a rapidly growing AI and Machine Learning company, specialising in the research, development and deployment of advanced technology into Defence, security, intelligence and adjacent sectors. Their team includes highly experienced software developers, data scientists, Machine Learning specialists and researchers, with strong academic, research and Defence backgrounds.
They are now looking for a Senior Business Development Manager in Defence to join their senior team and help drive their next phase of growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Defence business development professional to join an innovative, mission-focused business working at the cutting edge of AI, Machine Learning and advanced technology deployment.
The role
The Senior Business Development Manager will work closely with the CEO and senior management team to identify, develop and secure new commercial opportunities across UK Defence, defence primes, industry partners and allied defence markets. This is a senior, strategic and hands-on role. You will be responsible for building relationships, developing routes to market, strengthening the company’s commercial pipeline and winning valuable Defence contracts. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the company’s growth strategy, increasing market presence and supporting the development of new partnerships across the Defence and technology ecosystem.
Key responsibilities
- Identify, develop and close new commercial opportunities across UK Defence and related markets
- Build and maintain strong relationships with MOD, defence primes, industry partners and key decision makers
- Develop a strong sales pipeline and convert opportunities into commercial contracts
- Use your Defence sector knowledge to identify future opportunities, customer needs and competitor activity
- Establish new routes to market and engage with senior stakeholders and Defence influencers
- Raise the company’s profile through networking, events, meetings and strategic introductions
- Develop collaborations with UK and international Defence partners
- Work closely with the CEO and senior management team to refine the business development and sales strategy
- Support proposal writing, market research, briefings and commercial planning
- Showcase the company’s AI and Machine Learning capability to customers and partners
- Provide commercial insight to help shape future technology offerings
- Represent the business at customer meetings, supplier meetings and industry events
Skills and experience required
- A strong and proven track record of business development within the Defence sector
- Deep understanding of UK MOD, defence prime procurement and Defence commercial processes
- A strong network across UK MOD, defence primes and related Defence organisations
- Experience identifying and winning commercial opportunities in Defence
- Strong commercial awareness, ideally within advanced technology, AI, Machine Learning, software, data or innovation-led environments
- The ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and long sales cycles
- Confidence working directly with senior decision makers, customers and partners
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills
- A proactive, tenacious and target-driven approach
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-moving SME environment
- A strong interest in technology and its application within Defence and industry
- Existing UK security clearance, or the ability to obtain security clearance
Desirable experience
- Experience selling AI, Machine Learning, software, data or advanced technology into Defence
- A background in Defence, the military or a defence prime
- Experience working with MOD, Dstl, defence primes, government departments or allied defence organisations
- Experience developing partnerships across UK and international Defence markets
Location
Hybrid working, with regular attendance at the office in Brentford, West London. There will also be travel for customer meetings, partner meetings, events and business development activity.
Why apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a growing, specialist AI business working on advanced technology for Defence and national security use cases. You will be joining a highly capable technical team, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, with the opportunity to have a major impact on the company’s commercial growth. For someone with strong Defence business development experience, this is a chance to help scale an innovative UK technology business in a sector with significant long-term growth potential.
Salary - £90,000 - £95,000 + Bonus and Commissions
Senior Business Development Manager - Defence in Brentford employer: MFK Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
MFK Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager - Defence in Brentford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with industry folks, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in AI and Machine Learning within Defence. Share insights and trends you’ve noticed; it’ll position you as a thought leader and someone who’s genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like our client, and express your interest in potential roles. A well-timed email or call can sometimes lead to opportunities before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to apply for roles like the Senior Business Development Manager. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - Defence in Brentford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Defence sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive growth and secure contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for Defence and advanced technology, and how your skills align with our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Network: Don’t forget to mention your connections within the MOD and defence primes. We want to see how you can leverage your relationships to help us grow and succeed in the Defence market.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our innovative team.
How to prepare for a job interview at MFK Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK MOD, defence primes, and procurement processes. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the Defence sector will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but are genuinely passionate about it.
✨Build a Strong Network
Before the interview, try to connect with professionals in the Defence sector, especially those who have experience with the company. Having insights from insiders can give you an edge and help you understand the company culture and expectations better.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves shaping growth strategies, be ready to discuss your ideas on developing new commercial opportunities. Think about how you would approach building relationships with key decision-makers and what innovative routes to market you might suggest.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Business Development Manager, you'll need to influence and build relationships. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and long sales cycles.