At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth in the defence sector by securing new contracts and building strategic relationships.
- Company: Join a leading company in the defence industry with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, bonus, and a company car, plus hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression to senior management roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in business development within defence, strong sales skills, and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Reports to: Managing Director
Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid with UK and International Travel)
Package including: Negotiable salary with commission, bonus, company car
Are you a business development executive with experience in the defence sector? We would welcome ex MOD or service who have a strong sales background.
Job Purpose
The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing and securing new business opportunities across the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), NATO, prime defence contractors and international defence organisations. The role is focused on developing long-term strategic customer relationships, winning profitable contracts and supporting sustainable business growth while ensuring full compliance with defence procurement regulations and security requirements.
The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of the UK defence market, defence acquisition processes and the ability to engage confidently with senior military, government and commercial stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Development
- Develop and execute a Defence Business Development Strategy aligned with company objectives.
- Identify new opportunities within UK MOD, NATO and international defence markets.
- Generate and qualify new business leads.
- Develop annual sales and growth plans.
- Build and maintain a robust opportunity pipeline.
- Monitor market trends, defence spending and procurement programmes.
- Customer Relationship Management
- Develop strategic relationships with:
- UK Ministry of Defence
- Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
- Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)
- Prime Contractors
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Defence Suppliers
- NATO procurement agencies
- International defence organisations
- Maintain regular engagement with procurement teams, programme managers and technical specialists.
- Represent the company at customer meetings and defence exhibitions.
- Market Intelligence
- Monitor:
- Defence budgets
- Future procurement programmes
- Framework agreements
- Competitor activity
- Emerging technologies
- Government policy
- Identify opportunities arising from defence capability reviews.
- Strategic Growth
- Develop opportunities across sectors including:
- Soldier Systems
- C4ISR
- Tactical Communications
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Medical Systems
- Vehicle Systems
- Naval Equipment
- Aerospace
- Secure Textiles
- Load Carriage Equipment
- Weapon Accessories
- Sustainment & Logistics
- Commercial Responsibilities
- Achieve annual sales targets.
- Deliver profitable revenue growth.
- Prepare sales forecasts.
- Manage account development plans.
- Protect company margins.
- Support long-term strategic agreements.
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Technical
- Design
- Production
- Quality
- Procurement
- Programme Management
- to ensure customer requirements are fully understood and delivered.
- Compliance
- Ensure all activities comply with:
- UK Export Control Regulations
- MOD procurement rules
- Security classifications
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus
- DEFCONs
- JSP Publications
- Modern Slavery Act
- Bribery Act 2010
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Annual Sales Revenue
- Gross Margin
- New Customer Acquisition
- Pipeline Value
- Contract Awards
- Customer Retention
- Forecast Accuracy
- Number of Customer Visits
- New Market Penetration
- Strategic Account Growth
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' Business Development experience within the defence sector.
- Proven track record of winning defence contracts.
- Experience dealing with MOD and prime contractors.
- Understanding of defence procurement processes.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills.
- Experience managing strategic customer accounts.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Experience using CRM systems.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
Desirable
- Knowledge of NATO procurement.
- Experience within textile manufacturing, defence equipment, engineering or protective systems.
- Understanding of government framework agreements.
- Existing defence industry network.
- Experience with export markets.
- Security cleared (SC or DV) or eligible to obtain clearance.
Skills & Competencies
Commercial
- Business Acumen
- Strategic Thinking
- Negotiation
- Financial Awareness
- Opportunity Management
Leadership
- Influencing Skills
- Relationship Building
- Stakeholder Management
- Decision Making
Personal
- Self-motivated
- Highly organised
- Professional
- Resilient
- Results driven
- Customer focused
- Excellent communicator
- Ethical
- High integrity
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
Desirable
- MBA
- Institute of Sales Professionals Membership
- Prince2 or equivalent project management qualification
Security Requirements
The successful candidate must:
- Be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) as a minimum.
- Be capable of obtaining Developed Vetting (DV) if required.
- Meet UK Export Control compliance requirements.
- Comply with company information security policies.
Typical Customers
- UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
- BAE Systems
- INVISIO
- Babcock International
- Leonardo UK
- Thales UK
- Rheinmetall UK
- QinetiQ
- General Dynamics UK
- Lockheed Martin UK
- Rolls-Royce Defence
- MBDA UK
- NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
Career Progression
- Senior Business Development Manager
- Head of Business Development
- Commercial Manager
- Sales Director
- Business Unit Director
- Commercial Director
Business Development Manager - Defence Sector employer: Recruitment South East
Join a well-established precision engineering company in Hailsham, where you will be part of a supportive work environment that values quality and craftsmanship. With 25 days of holiday and a comprehensive pension scheme, we prioritise employee well-being and growth, offering opportunities to enhance your skills in TIG welding and fabrication. Our collaborative culture ensures that every team member plays a vital role in meeting production schedules while contributing to high-quality outcomes.
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We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Defence Sector
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager - Defence Sector
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