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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business growth in the defence sector by securing new partnerships and opportunities.
- Company: STI Limited is a trusted leader in defence electronics manufacturing with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team at the forefront of innovation in mission-critical manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development within defence or aerospace sectors is essential.
- Other info: This role requires travel across the UK and offers a chance to shape the future of defence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Business Development Manager role at STI Limited. Be part of a company at the forefront of defence electronics manufacturing. Work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment with a passionate team.
About Our Client
Surface Technology International (STI) is a leading provider of electronics design and manufacturing services, specialising in high-reliability applications for the defence, aerospace and security sectors. With a heritage of over 30 years, STI is trusted by global customers to deliver quality, innovation, and excellence. Their capabilities span the entire product lifecycle - from design and prototyping to full-scale production and logistics - making them a true partner in mission-critical manufacturing.
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to spearhead growth in the defence sector, with a particular focus on engaging and expanding partnerships with major prime contractors. This is a strategic role, integral to STI's vision of becoming a key partner in the UK and international defence supply chain.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, engage, and secure new business opportunities within the defence sector, particularly with Tier 1 defence primes and key integrators.
- Develop and execute a targeted business development strategy to support STI's growth objectives in defence.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with procurement, engineering, and program teams at target accounts.
- Drive early engagement on new programs, positioning STI as a trusted manufacturing partner from concept through to production.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders including engineering, operations, and program management to ensure alignment with customer needs.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and government defence initiatives to identify emerging opportunities.
- Represent STI at trade shows, industry forums, and customer events to build brand presence and credibility.
- Lead bid and proposal development in coordination with the commercial and technical teams.
The Successful Applicant
- Proven track record of business development or strategic account management in the defence or aerospace sector.
- Experience working with or for prime contractors (e.g., BAE Systems, Leonardo, Thales, MBDA, Raytheon, etc.)
- Strong understanding of defence procurement processes, industry compliance, and program lifecycles.
- Background in electronics manufacturing, systems integration, or advanced engineering services is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commercially astute with a strong customer-first mindset and solution-oriented approach.
- Ability to travel across the UK as required.
What's on Offer
On offer is a competitive base salary and package as well as a fantastic platform to grow and develop your career further!
Business Development Manager employer: Sti Limited
Contact Detail:
Sti Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the defence sector, especially those connected to major prime contractors like BAE Systems or Thales. Attend industry events and forums where you can meet potential colleagues and clients, as personal connections can significantly boost your chances of landing the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the defence industry. Understanding current government initiatives and market shifts will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge about the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for engaging Tier 1 defence primes. Think about how you would approach building relationships and securing new business opportunities, as this will show your proactive mindset and strategic thinking during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with STI Limited's products and services. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their offerings will set you apart and demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming a part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in business development, particularly within the defence or aerospace sectors. Use specific examples of past achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about the role at STI Limited. Mention your understanding of their work in defence electronics and how your skills can contribute to their growth objectives.
Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of the defence procurement processes and industry compliance in your application. This will show that you understand the landscape and can navigate it effectively for STI Limited.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: Since the role involves engaging with major prime contractors, emphasise your experience in building and maintaining strong relationships. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sti Limited
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research STI Limited and the defence electronics sector. Understand their products, recent projects, and key competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences in business development, particularly in the defence or aerospace sectors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your achievements and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
As a Business Development Manager, building relationships is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience in engaging with Tier 1 defence primes and how you've successfully developed partnerships in the past. Highlight specific examples of how you've navigated complex procurement processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
STI is looking for someone who can develop and execute targeted business strategies. Be prepared to discuss your approach to identifying new business opportunities and how you would align STI's capabilities with market trends and customer needs.
