At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in the UK Defence sector by securing new business and nurturing key accounts.
- Company: Join a leading company in the Defence industry focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence the Defence landscape and grow your career.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of Defence, building partnerships that matter and driving real change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in business development and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 42500 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly driven and commercially focused Business Development Manager / Key Account Manager to lead growth within the UK Defence Industry. This role is responsible for hunting and securing new business opportunities with manufacturers and strategic partners who utilise high performance and premium industrial products. The successful candidate will open new doors, build strong relationships, and convert opportunities into profitable, long-term partnerships, while also developing existing accounts.
Key Responsibilities
- New Business Development (Primary Focus)
- Identify, target and win new customers across the UK Defence manufacturing landscape
- Proactively generate leads and open access to key decision-makers and influencers
- Develop a robust pipeline of opportunities aligned to strategic growth targets
- Convert technical product trials and value propositions into commercial agreements
- Account Development
- Grow and retain key accounts through structured account planning
- Strengthen relationships with both end-users and distribution
- Identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities across the product portfolio
- Commercial Value Selling
- Work closely with Application Engineers to coordinate technical trials and demonstrations
- Translate technical performance into clear commercial and operational value for the customer
- Build compelling business cases focused on cost savings, productivity gains, and quality improvements
- Industry Engagement
- Act as an industry influencer within Defence
- Maintain a strong presence within key industry networks, events, and forums
Ideal Skills
Business Development Manager - Defence employer: The Clay Partnership
As a leading player in the UK Defence Industry, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are equipped to excel in their roles. With a strong emphasis on building meaningful relationships and a culture that values initiative and creativity, we provide a rewarding career path for those looking to make a significant impact in the defence sector.