Sapien are looking for a Business Development Manager – Counter-UAS to join a specialist defence technology and engineering business, supporting the development and delivery of advanced military and security solutions.
This is a commercially focused, customer-facing role with responsibility for identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic relationships and securing orders across the defence and security sectors.
A key part of the position will be leading and managing the business's Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) campaign, working with internal technical teams and external partners to develop integrated solutions and drive new business.
You will be responsible for promoting a portfolio of specialist defence technologies, including C-UAS, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA), Night Vision and Electro-Optical (EO) systems.
Working Arrangements
- This is a fully remote role, with the flexibility to work from home.
- The position will involve regular travel to customer sites across the UK.
- Attendance at a monthly meeting at the company's site in Kent, is required.
- Some international travel may also be required.
Additional Requirements
- Must be eligible to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance as a minimum.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Willingness and ability to travel within the UK and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities across the defence and military technology markets.
- Lead, coordinate and manage the C-UAS business development campaign, driving opportunities from initial identification through to order placement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with military end users, procurement organisations, acquisition teams and international channel partners.
- Understand operational and technical requirements, translating customer needs into suitable product and solution offerings.
- Promote specialist defence technologies, including counter-drone systems, surveillance equipment, night vision and electro-optical solutions.
- Develop and manage a strong sales pipeline, ensuring opportunities are properly qualified and progressed.
- Lead the preparation and submission of bids, tenders, proposals, expressions of interest (EoIs), RFIs, RFPs and RFQs.
- Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality and commercial teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
- Identify opportunities to develop integrated solutions using both in-house and third-party technologies.
- Monitor competitor activity, market developments and emerging customer requirements to support future product and capability development.
- Negotiate commercially advantageous opportunities, maximising margins and securing profitable orders.
- Represent the business at customer meetings, product demonstrations, exhibitions and international defence events.
Key Experience
We are keen to hear from candidates with a background in defence, military technology or specialist engineering, particularly those with knowledge of counter-drone systems and related technologies.
You may be ex-military with operational experience, or an industry professional with a strong technical understanding of defence systems and solutions.
- Experience or specialist knowledge of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS).
- An understanding of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA), Night Vision and Electro-Optical (EO) technologies.
- Experience operating, training or instructing on relevant military equipment, or working in the development, engineering or marketing of defence systems.
- A background in business development, technical sales, account management or commercial roles.
- Experience identifying new business opportunities and developing relationships with military customers, procurement organisations or channel partners.
- An understanding of military operational requirements and how specialist technologies are deployed in the field.
Benefits
- Sales bonus scheme.
- 9-day fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day.
- Fully remote working.
- Stakeholder pension.
- Death-in-service benefit.
- Employee rewards and recognition scheme.
- Employee engagement initiatives.
Sales Business Development Manager employer: Sapien Engineering
At Sapien Engineering, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment near Market Harborough where innovation and collaboration thrive. Our team enjoys comprehensive benefits, a supportive culture that fosters professional growth, and the opportunity to work on diverse projects from concept to completion, ensuring every employee can make a meaningful impact in their role.
