At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth strategy in the defence sector and build strategic partnerships.
- Company: Established aerospace and defence engineering firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Other info: Confidential search for a leader ready to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of defence while driving significant business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in defence business development and strong stakeholder relationships.
The predicted salary is between 112500 - 137500 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to shape and accelerate the growth of an established Aerospace & Defence engineering business. I am partnering with a privately owned, international Aerospace & Defence group to appoint a senior defence business development leader who can help accelerate the organisation’s growth across the global defence sector.
The business is an established engineering and manufacturing organisation with a strong reputation for delivering complex precision components and solutions into major aerospace and defence programmes. With operations across the UK and internationally, it supports some of the world’s leading OEMs and prime contractors across both civil and military markets.
Following continued success and investment, the organisation is now entering an exciting phase of growth and is looking to appoint an exceptional leader to define and deliver its next stage of defence expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as part of the senior leadership team, this role will have a clear mandate: to identify new opportunities, build strategic relationships, and secure the defence programmes that will shape the future growth of the business.
This is not a traditional sales leadership position. It is an opportunity to build influence across the defence ecosystem, shape market strategy, and create long-term partnerships with major defence organisations, OEMs, prime contractors and emerging defence technology companies.
The opportunity will include:
- Developing and executing the defence growth strategy across existing and emerging markets
- Building trusted relationships with defence OEMs, prime contractors, government stakeholders and strategic partners
- Identifying and progressing new programme opportunities across the defence landscape
- Leading capture activity and supporting the successful conversion of complex opportunities into long-term contracts
- Providing market insight and strategic guidance to the executive leadership team
- Building capability and driving a disciplined approach to business development and opportunity management
The ideal candidate will bring:
- A strong track record in defence business development, capture or strategic growth roles
- Established relationships across the defence ecosystem
- Experience winning complex, high-value programmes and developing long-term customer partnerships
- An understanding of defence procurement, supply chains and the route to market for advanced engineering and manufacturing businesses
- The credibility to operate with senior stakeholders across OEMs, primes and government organisations
- The ambition and entrepreneurial mindset to help shape and accelerate a growing defence capability
- Experience within aerospace, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing or defence technology environments would be highly advantageous.
This is a confidential retained search assignment for a leader who wants to have genuine impact. Someone who can combine defence market knowledge, commercial judgement and relationship-building capability to help create the next chapter of growth for an established engineering organisation.
Chief Business Development Officer - Defence employer: psd group
Join a leading property investment business that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have ample opportunities to grow your career while working on diverse projects across the UK. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment that prioritises innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Business Development Officer - Defence
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with psd group for a Chief Business Development Officer - Defence. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Business Development Officer - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at psd group, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At psd group, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at psd group
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with psd group.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with psd group. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like psd group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
