Business Development Manager (Defence Sales - Maritime) in Portsmouth

Drive growth. Shape opportunities. Deliver impact. At Novatech, we deliver cutting‑edge technology solutions. With defence as one of our core sectors, we’re looking for a Business Development Manager to join our defence sales team to support our growth strategy, focussing on the Maritime domain. This is a consultative, collaborative and solution‑led business development role focused on driving revenue growth. You’ll be supported by the Head of Defence Sales, Business Development colleagues (specialising in land and air domains), as well as sales support specialists and technical experts, enabling you to focus on high‑value sales activity.

What you’ll be doing:

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities to convert into sales, building a strong and sustainable pipeline
• Maintain accurate pipeline visibility and forecasts using CRM tools
• Develop high‑value relationships with key stakeholders across defence, intelligence, and industry partners
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding customer challenges and delivering tailored, value‑led solutions
• Collaborate with internal technical and support teams to shape realistic, customer‑centric propositions
• Balance new business acquisition with account growth, expanding into new areas within existing customers
• Stay ahead of defence market trends, procurement routes, and customer priorities

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who combines strong knowledge of the maritime defence sector with commercial drive and excellent relationship‑building skills. You’ll bring experience in business development, sales, or a Defence (Maritime) environment, along with an understanding of procurement processes, frameworks, and tendering. You’ll have an ability to generate new business through proactive networking and outreach, as well as building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. With a results‑driven mindset, you’ll be confident working towards targets and using your communication, negotiation, and consultative sales skills to turn opportunities into orders. This role would suit either a former member of the Armed Forces with maritime experience who has transitioned into a commercial role, or a sales professional with experience working with defence customers. Either way, you’ll be confident navigating the sector and turning insight into opportunity. SC clearance is required, which we can support you with.

What you’ll earn:

Your base salary will reflect your experience, with expectations discussed during the recruitment process. Your commission structure is directly linked to your base salary, providing a clear and transparent path to success. Defence sales often involve longer, strategic sales cycles, so your on‑target earnings (OTE) will build as your pipeline matures, typically accelerating in year two and beyond. The key benefit? Your OTE is uncapped, meaning your earning potential grows alongside your success.

Our benefits in a nutshell:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (with the chance to buy additional days)
• Health plan scheme
• Upskilling apprenticeship training
• Cycle to work
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Social and wellbeing events
• Hybrid working (after training period)
• A great breakout room
• Kitchen and shower facilities

About us:

Novatech work heavily in the B2B tech sector with some of the largest and most respected names in a range of industries. Whether it’s supporting businesses with their remote workforce under our Direct2Desk ground‑breaking service, transforming defence companies with life‑saving training simulators or implementing practical IT systems for businesses to thrive, there’s no end to the amount of fascinating and cutting‑edge projects that we are involved in (some of which we can’t tell you about, yet).