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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 technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, commissions, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and shape the company's growth strategy.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a rapidly growing tech business with innovative Defence 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. 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 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
Contact Detail:
MFK Recruitment 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 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 the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t 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 hands-on approach will show your commitment and could lead to valuable contracts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a solid track record of placing candidates in great roles, and we want to help you land this one. Make sure your application stands out by highlighting your relevant experience and passion for Defence technology.
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 a story about your journey in business development within Defence. Use it to express your passion for AI and Machine Learning, and how you can contribute to our client's mission-focused approach.
Showcase Your Network: Mention your connections within the UK MOD and defence primes in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and navigate complex stakeholder environments, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at MFK Recruitment
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in the Defence sector, especially around AI and Machine Learning. Being able to discuss current events or recent advancements will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with current employees or industry contacts who have insights into the company culture and expectations. This can give you a leg up in understanding what they value in a Senior Business Development Manager.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to identify and develop commercial opportunities. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships or closed significant deals.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing connections within the UK MOD and defence primes. Discuss how these relationships can be leveraged to benefit the company and drive growth, as this role heavily relies on strong networking skills.