Client and Partnerships Manager in Bristol

Nova Systems is a global engineering services and technology solutions company, with strategically located offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. We play a key part in keeping the global community safe. We pride ourselves in being responsive to our customers and are committed to delivering our solutions in a timely way. Small enough to care, big enough to matter, we leverage the benefits of scale for our clients.

We’re seeking an experienced Client and Partnerships Manager to drive growth, secure new business, and build long‑term client relationships across the Defence, Aerospace, Security and Essential Services sectors. Reporting to the General Manager of our Advisory and Professional Services (APS) business, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping Nova’s future pipeline, leading complex bids and captures, and working closely with senior stakeholders across Nova’s Technology Innovation and Integrated Solutions businesses. This is a senior, high‑impact role suited to a proven business winner who thrives in complex, regulated environments.

• Lead strategic business development activities to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
• Identify and shape short, medium and long‑term opportunities across core and adjacent markets.
• Own major bids, captures and complex negotiations from opportunity to contract award.
• Build trusted, senior‑level relationships with government and industry clients.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans with clear growth objectives.
• Lead proposal development, pricing and contract negotiations.
• Provide functional leadership to APS consultants supporting business development.

You will bring a strong track record of winning and closing high‑value business in defence or regulated environments, with proven experience leading complex bids and influencing senior stakeholders. You will be commercially astute, credible at executive level, and comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, mission‑critical setting.

• Experience across Aerospace Defence, Security or Essential Services sectors.
• Demonstrable success in business development and contract negotiation.
• Strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable influencing at a senior level with the highest levels of professional credibility.
• Proven experience of leading and managing business development, bid and capture resources.
• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

A more detailed Role Description will be made available on application.

At Nova Systems, you’ll be part of a mission‑driven team that values innovation, trust, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment for learning and development, backed by our professional development allowance, mentoring, and opportunities to work on impactful UK and global defence projects. We are committed to increasing diversity of staff within Nova Systems International and within the aerospace and engineering sector. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the requirements of the role description, and we are committed to equal opportunity, equal treatment, and respect for every individual.

At Nova Systems International we are proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognize the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our business. We offer, and value, flexible working and we are also proud to be committed to mental health awareness and to actively support the wellbeing of our team. If you have special access requirements, please do let us know.

Please note this role requires pre‑employment screening in line with the Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). The checks will include verification of identity and right to work in the UK, employment history, and criminal record. Please note that appointment is subject to successful completion of these checks, and refusal to participate will result in withdrawal of the offer.