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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth strategy in defence and cybersecurity, shaping competitive bids and partnerships.
- Company: Independent UK tech firm focused on secure data handling for defence and public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in modernising the UK's defence digital infrastructure.
- Qualifications: UK military background with strong relationship-building skills and experience in defence contracts.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on innovation and security in technology.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: UK (Remote)
Reporting to: Managing Director
About our client
Our client is an independent UK technology company that provides secure data handling and information protection solutions for customers in defence, public safety and security. With decades of experience in cyber technologies and controlled data movement, they support mission critical operations where resilience and trust are essential. Their capabilities contribute directly to modernising the UK’s defence digital infrastructure, enabling secure interoperability and operational data sharing across forces and partner organisations.
Key responsibilities
- Create and deliver a defence growth strategy that aligns with the company’s secure data and cyber technology offerings.
- Identify and progress opportunities across MOD, front line commands, defence industry partners and related government bodies, maintaining focus on multi year programmes.
- Build a strong network across senior defence stakeholders, including those with military operational backgrounds and commercial authority.
- Lead capture and bid activity for significant programmes, including shaping competitive positioning, partnership structures and commercial strategy.
- Oversee pipeline visibility and performance, ensuring forecasting accuracy, risk awareness and decision support for long term investments.
- Work closely with technical and delivery teams so propositions are realistic, compelling and compliant with customer needs.
- Maintain insight into evolving defence requirements, digital transformation priorities and policy changes that influence demand.
- Represent the organisation at targeted events and customer engagements to strengthen market profile in secure systems and cyber defence.
- Support the development of business development capability as the organisation grows.
Qualifications
- UK military background with credibility when engaging senior defence audiences and an understanding of defence procurement and stakeholder dynamics.
- Proven success securing major government or defence contracts, or developing substantial long term sales pipeline.
- Strong relationship building abilities with high level MOD, command-level and prime contractor contacts.
- Skilled in capture management with structured approach to qualifying and pursuing opportunities.
- Strong commercial understanding including planning, financial modelling and risk assessment.
- Confident communicator able to influence senior officials and executive decision makers.
- Strategic thinker, aware of defence trends such as increasing cyber reliance and data driven operations.
- Knowledge of secure technology domains and information assurance.
- Eligibility for security clearances.
- Experience working directly with MOD commercial frameworks and complex defence acquisition programmes.
- Familiarity with defence exports or collaboration with international ally organisations.
- Existing network within major defence primes or systems integrators.
- Awareness of secure network architectures, controlled data exchange and cyber resilience concepts.
- Experience leading teams or business units in a technical or defence focused setting.
How to Apply for the Head of Business Development role?
Deadline for submissions: Sunday 7th December 2025
For a confidential chat or to apply, reach out to: Ben Trapnell – Recruitment Consultant, SR2 Socially Responsible Recruitment.
Head of Business Development employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Contact Detail:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ 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 and cybersecurity sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. Building relationships with key stakeholders can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with recruiters or potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in securing major contracts. Share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
✨Be Prepared for Interviews
Research the company and its role in the defence sector before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially around secure data handling and cyber technologies. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through our website for the Head of Business Development role! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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 defence and cybersecurity, and don’t forget to showcase your relationship-building skills with senior stakeholders.
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. Mention specific achievements that align with the job description and show your passion for secure data handling.
Showcase Your Network: Since building relationships is key in this role, mention any relevant connections you have within the MOD or defence industry. This can really set you apart from other candidates!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s secure data handling and cyber technology offerings. Research their recent projects and understand how they align with defence and public safety. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building relationships is key for this role, think about who you know in the defence sector. Prepare to discuss your existing connections and how you can leverage them to create opportunities. Mention any relevant contacts you have within MOD or defence industry partners during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a defence growth strategy. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully identified and pursued opportunities. Highlight your understanding of defence trends and how they impact business development.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your capture management skills and decision-making abilities. Prepare scenarios where you’ve led bid activities or managed risks effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
