At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in the UK defence sector by securing strategic accounts and developing relationships.
- Company: Leading engineering services provider in the defence industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and collaboration in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the defence sector with your expertise and connections.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in UK defence, proven business development success, and strong stakeholder relationships.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and highly connected Director of Business Development to drive growth within the UK defence sector. The successful candidate will leverage existing relationships and market knowledge to position our engineering services and technical expertise with major defence primes and key supply chain partners. This role is focused on securing strategic accounts and developing long-term relationships across defence programmes. Typical account values are expected to range between £300,000 and £5 million.
The role requires a self-starting, commercially driven individual who understands how the defence procurement ecosystem works and has a proven track record of winning new business within the sector.
Key Responsibilities- Identify and develop opportunities with major UK defence primes and Tier‑1 contractors
- Establish and grow strategic accounts with values ranging from £300k to £5m
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across engineering, procurement and programme leadership teams
- Position the company as a trusted engineering and technical services partner
- Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities across defence programmes
- Lead early engagement with customers ahead of formal procurement cycles
- Work with internal engineering and delivery teams to shape compelling technical proposals
- Support and lead bid strategy and capture management activities
- Monitor MOD priorities, procurement trends and upcoming programmes
- Develop partnerships with complementary suppliers and SMEs within the defence ecosystem
- Creation of a £5m–£10m new business pipeline
- 2–4 new strategic accounts established annually
- 10+ years experience within the UK defence sector
- Proven track record generating new business with defence primes or Tier‑1 contractors
- Strong existing relationships within organisations such as BAE Systems, Leonardo, QinetiQ, Thales, MBDA, Rolls‑Royce Defence or similar
- Deep understanding of UK defence procurement processes
- Experience selling engineering services, technical consultancy or specialist capability
- Background in engineering, systems engineering or technical consultancy
- Experience working within a defence consultancy or engineering services organisation
- Familiarity with MOD procurement structures and major defence programmes
- Eligible for UK security clearance (SC or higher)
Head of Business Development in Farnborough employer: Positiv Cohort Ltd
As a leading player in the UK defence sector, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage with high-profile clients, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located at the heart of the UK's defence landscape, we offer unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge projects and a network of influential industry partners, making this an ideal environment for ambitious professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development in Farnborough
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to your existing contacts. We all know that who you know can be just as important as what you know.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in the defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or secured strategic accounts. We want to see you shine!
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Research companies you’re interested in and reach out directly to discuss how you can help them grow. We believe that taking the initiative can set you apart from the competition.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Business Development role. Highlight your experience in the UK defence sector and any existing relationships with major primes. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and secured strategic accounts in the past. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Connections:Since this role is all about leveraging relationships, don’t shy away from mentioning your network. If you’ve got strong ties with key players in the defence sector, let us know! It’s all about who you know and how you can use those connections.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positiv Cohort Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on the latest trends and key players in the UK defence sector. Familiarise yourself with major primes like BAE Systems and Thales, and understand their current projects. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role relies heavily on relationships, be ready to discuss your existing connections within the defence ecosystem. Prepare specific examples of how you've leveraged these relationships to secure business or drive growth in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, expect questions around engineering services and procurement processes. Brush up on relevant technical concepts and be prepared to discuss how you've shaped proposals or led bid strategies in the past. This will show your depth of understanding and capability.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to talk about your track record in generating new business, especially with strategic accounts. Use metrics to highlight your achievements, such as the value of contracts secured or the size of your pipeline. This will illustrate your commercial drive and success in the defence sector.
