Senior Business Development Manager - Defence in London

Senior Business Development Manager - DefenceMFK 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 roleThe 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 responsibilitiesAs the Senior Business Development Manager, you will:Identify, develop and close new commercial opportunities across UK Defence and related marketsBuild and maintain strong relationships with MOD, defence primes, industry partners and key decision makersDevelop a strong sales pipeline and convert opportunities into commercial contractsUse your Defence sector knowledge to identify future opportunities, customer needs and competitor activityEstablish new routes to market and engage with senior stakeholders and Defence influencersRaise the company’s profile through networking, events, meetings and strategic introductionsDevelop collaborations with UK and international Defence partnersWork closely with the CEO and senior management team to refine the business development and sales strategySupport proposal writing, market research, briefings and commercial planningShowcase the company’s AI and Machine Learning capability to customers and partnersProvide commercial insight to help shape future technology offeringsRepresent the business at customer meetings, supplier meetings and industry eventsSkills and experience requiredThe successful Senior Business Development Manager will need:A strong and proven track record of business development within the Defence sectorDeep understanding of UK MOD, defence prime procurement and Defence commercial processesA strong network across UK MOD, defence primes and related Defence organisationsExperience identifying and winning commercial opportunities in DefenceStrong commercial awareness, ideally within advanced technology, AI, Machine Learning, software, data or innovation-led environmentsThe ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and long sales cyclesConfidence working directly with senior decision makers, customers and partnersExcellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skillsA proactive, tenacious and target-driven approachThe ability to work effectively in a fast-moving SME environmentA strong interest in technology and its application within Defence and industryExisting UK security clearance, or the ability to obtain security clearanceDesirable experienceThe following would be beneficial:Experience selling AI, Machine Learning, software, data or advanced technology into DefenceA background in Defence, the military or a defence primeExperience working with MOD, Dstl, defence primes, government departments or allied defence organisationsExperience developing partnerships across UK and international Defence marketsLocationHybrid 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 CommissionsSalary/Rate:90,000 - 95,000Job type:PermanentLocality:BrentfordRegion:London