Business Development Director - UK Defence

Overview

Be You – Our people create our best Plexus. Ingrained in our culture of inclusion is the philosophy that each individual offers diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that create great outcomes when we are united as a team.

We embrace the differences of all our colleagues, celebrate diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups and candidates, regardless of their background. We are proud to be registered as the Disability Confident committed employer, and we recruit purely on the basis of skills and experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the sales cycle from initial market engagement to securing the win, crafting compelling proposals along the way.
• Maintain comprehensive market knowledge to identify and prioritize risks and opportunities, informing our overall market development efforts.
• Partner with account leaders to support and execute our sector marketing and account-specific strategies.
• Build and nurture multi-level relationships with external customers and internal teams, becoming an expert in our end-to-end value stream.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into innovative solutions that leverage our Product Realization Value Chain.
• Advocate for capability requirements to meet evolving customer needs and ensure our solutions align with Plexus strategic goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\’s degree (Master\’s degree preferred) in a relevant discipline, with progressive experience in a business development or sales leadership role within the UK Defence sector.
• Well-established professional network and a demonstrable track record of success in securing significant revenue within the UK Defence industry.
• Proven expertise in applying strategic selling principles and methodologies to achieve business development targets.
• Exceptional executive-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Robust analytical skills with the ability to interpret market trends, competitive dynamics, and customer intelligence to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ability to formulate and present effective recommendations.
• Strong self-management skills with a proven ability to independently drive assignments to completion with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and navigate complex organizational landscapes.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to operate effectively within cross-functional team structures.

Security Clearance

• Some roles at Plexus are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if this is currently held; otherwise, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for guidance.
• To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

Benefits

• Bespoke development plan
• Online learning and formal development programs
• Full-time, permanent employment contract
• Enhanced pension contributions
• 33 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)
• Paid family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Group income protection insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer time off
• Flexible Hybrid Working Available (role dependent)
• Life assurance
• Occupational health
• Vision care discounts
• Discount schemes
• Company sick pay scheme
• Onsite gym/ discounted gym