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- Tasks: Drive growth by securing new commercial opportunities in the Defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading AI and Machine Learning company focused on Defence innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid working, and impactful career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with significant long-term growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Defence technology while shaping the company's future.
- Qualifications: Proven business development experience in Defence and strong stakeholder management 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. 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 London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships is key to landing that Senior Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet with decision-makers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of AI and Machine Learning in Defence. Share insights on market trends and how your experience can help them achieve their goals. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Research potential clients and reach out with tailored proposals that demonstrate how you can add value to their operations. This shows initiative and a genuine interest in their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a great platform for job seekers, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a company that’s at the forefront of Defence technology. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - Defence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Business Development Manager in Defence. 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 explain how your background aligns with our mission in AI and Defence, and don’t forget to mention your network within the MOD and defence primes!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your success in business development. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, like the number of contracts won or revenue generated.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our innovative team in the Defence sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at MFK Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends and challenges in the Defence sector. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent contracts, and technological advancements, especially in AI and Machine Learning. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Build Relationships Beforehand
Networking is crucial in this field. If possible, connect with current employees or industry contacts who can provide insights about the company culture and expectations. Mentioning these connections during your interview can showcase your proactive approach and help you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully identified and closed commercial opportunities in Defence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Business Development Manager, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders and influenced decision-making in previous roles. This will highlight your fit for the position.