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- Tasks: Drive growth in the UK defence sector by securing strategic accounts and building 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 strategic thinking in a fast-paced environment.
- 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 industry 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
Key Performance Indicators
- Creation of a £5m–£10m new business pipeline
- 2–4 new strategic accounts established annually
Candidate Profile
- 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 employer: Positiv Cohort Ltd
Contact Detail:
Positiv Cohort Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Development
✨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’re chatting with potential employers or partners, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in the defence sector. Share specific examples of how you've secured strategic accounts or built strong relationships. We want to see your track record shine!
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and find them! Research major defence primes and Tier-1 contractors, and think about how you can approach them with tailored proposals. We believe in taking the initiative to create your own success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you see a role that fits your skills, don’t hesitate to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can drive growth in the defence sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Development
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. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Connections: Since this role is all about leveraging relationships, don’t shy away from mentioning your connections within the defence ecosystem. Let us know how you can tap into these networks to benefit our business development efforts.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positiv Cohort Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and key players in the UK defence sector. Familiarise yourself with major primes like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce Defence, as well as current MOD priorities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role is all about relationships, think about how you can showcase your existing connections during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your ability to drive growth and secure strategic accounts.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the focus on engineering services and technical expertise, be prepared to dive into technical discussions. Brush up on relevant engineering concepts and be ready to explain how your background aligns with the company's offerings. This will help position you as a trusted partner in the eyes of the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Success
Have concrete examples ready that illustrate your track record in generating new business within the defence sector. Discuss specific accounts you've secured, the strategies you employed, and the results achieved. This will provide tangible evidence of your capabilities and align with the key performance indicators outlined in the job description.