Regional Lead – Europe (Business & Regional Development)

Defence Sector

On behalf of my client, a dynamic, fast-paced, and agile SME operating globally in the advanced maritime technology domain, I am seeking a Regional Lead – Europe, to be based on the south coast.

This rapidly growing company excels in navigating the ambiguity of fast-evolving technologies and ever-changing customer needs across new and emerging regions. The company’s flagship platform delivers cutting-edge capabilities, with applications extending beyond defence into broader maritime uses. The successful candidate will be integral to driving growth in the European markets, developing strategic business plans, identifying new opportunities, and managing key relationships across the defence and maritime sectors.

What sets my client apart is its exceptional ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment. The team is deeply focused and driven, collaborating as a true collective while remaining humble, grounded, and human. The technology is genuinely exciting, charting new capabilities and applications in the maritime space. The company fosters a culture where every team member feels a sense of ownership and belonging, with their opinions heard and valued. Everyone’s contribution is recognised, and there is a shared commitment to innovation and continuous development. You will lead the business development efforts in Europe, ensuring alignment with internal teams and driving the company’s success in the region.

As the ideal candidate, you will have proven experience in business development, capture management and pipeline development within the defence sector, particularly in Europe, and a successful track record of leading and expanding teams. As a leader, strong communication skills and the ability to manage complex relationships are essential.
My client offers a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment where all employees are empowered to make a tangible impact and feel part of the exciting journey ahead.

The Role:

As a Regional (Business Development) Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving my client’s growth within the European market. This is a high-impact position requiring you to develop and execute strategic business plans, identify new market opportunities, and manage key client relationships. You will be accountable for the success of regional business development, with a particular focus on the defence and maritime sectors. Your leadership will guide the European business development team, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and driving exceptional customer satisfaction through strong relationship management and communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Lead the development and implementation of strategic business plans to expand my client’s presence and market share in Europe.
• Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including military officials, defence contractors, government agencies, and potential industry partners.
• Regional Accountability: Take ownership of business development activities within the region, providing regular reports to senior management on progress and market developments.
• Industry Engagement: Represent my client at industry events, trade shows, and forums, advocating for the company’s mission and contributing to thought leadership in the maritime and defence sectors. International travel will be required.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including engineering, product development, and finance, to ensure business development efforts align with company goals and to leverage expertise across the organisation.

What my client expects from you:

• Strong teamwork, mutual respect, and collaboration
• Proactive initiative and the ability to work independently
• Integrity and honesty
• Business and commercial awareness
• Agility, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous development

Qualifications and Experience:

• Business Development: Proven experience in securing business within the defence sector, particularly within Europe.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and expand a successful business development team.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Reporting: Experience in engaging senior management, providing accurate and timely reporting to guide business resource allocation.
• Education: A relevant Bachelor’s degree is desirable. (e.g., in Business, Engineering, or a related discipline)

What my client offers:

• Private healthcare with optional family cover
• Life assurance (4 x salary)
• Critical illness cover
• Unlimited paid holiday
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Pension contribution
• Flexible working
• A culture of diversity and innovative thinking

Security Requirements:

Due to the nature of the work, the selected candidate will need to meet specific security requirements, including having the right to live and work in the UK, Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), and potentially a higher-level security check for certain projects.

Diversity and Inclusion:

My client is committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive.

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