At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial growth in the defence sector and manage key contracts.
- Company: Join the largest port operator in the UK, ABP.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to shape the future of defence activities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while working with top industry players.
- Qualifications: Experience with MoD, strong negotiation skills, and a knack for managing complex projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Working on an exclusive basis, we are supporting Associated British Ports (ABP) to identify a strategic Senior Business Development Manager on an initial 2‑year fixed term contract to further expand the defence sector activities. As the largest port operator in the UK, this position will report to the Port Director/CEO and is to deliver commercial growth for defence‑related activity through ABP's land and facilities, whether through existing links with the Ministry of Defence and similar relationships or through private company/organisation attraction.
Specifically, the role will identify, target, negotiate and manage contracts with Defence customers and contractors (including Defence Primes and their supply chains), ensuring compliant, profitable and resilient long‑term partnerships. Indicative clients include MoD, DE & S, BAE, Babcock, QinetiQ and other key integrators, as well as SMEs and other organisations. Recognising the prominence of ABP's existing operations close to UK maritime/water locations, and the considerable land and facilities development opportunities which exist in secure locations, the Senior Business Development Manager will further expand these opportunities.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver ABP's Defence commercial strategy aligned with regional and group priorities.
- Identify market opportunities related to Defence estate, ship visits, laybys, logistics, training, R&D activities and infrastructure projects.
- Prepare, lead and negotiate tenders, bids and multi‑year commercial agreements.
- Work closely with Strategy, Property and Operations to build Defence offerings aligned to capability and port assets.
- Own the commercial lifecycle: pricing, terms, negotiation, contract mobilisation and renewals.
- Ensure clarity of scope, service levels and KPIs for all Defence customers.
- Track and manage revenue performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Consider security implications for potential customer interests from outside of the UK.
- Ensure that all property business at both Regional and Group level complies with relevant legislation, ABP and environmental regulations and guidelines.
- Support and manage bid and tender delivery, including:
- Programme integration and development
- Internal company communication and customer integration
- Target added‑value content and future programme inclusion
- Represent ABP at events and forums.
- Report internally on opportunity and project status and provide direction on timing plans and revenue prospects.
- Maintain close alignment with port leadership teams, operations, marine, safety, and legal.
- Support Group initiatives that involve Defence estate, property agreements or infrastructure partnerships, coordinating with Property on Defence estate leases, easements and long‑term land arrangements.
- Work closely with Finance Business Partners for forecasting, pricing and margin review.
- Contribute to defence‑related capital projects, feasibility studies and business cases.
- Provide commercial insight for major Defence port developments or infrastructure upgrades.
Qualifications
- Experience working with MoD and defence Primes.
- Proven commercial management experience within defence, marine, logistics, infrastructure or government contracting.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work with complex stakeholders and sensitive programmes.
- Financial literacy with experience in pricing, revenue modelling and contract performance analysis.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally.
- An effective network within the Defence community.
Senior Business Development Manager : Defence in Southampton employer: TipTopJob
At Associated British Ports (ABP), we pride ourselves on being the largest port operator in the UK, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for our employees. As a Senior Business Development Manager in the Defence sector, you will benefit from a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, alongside opportunities for professional growth through strategic partnerships with key defence clients. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with the unique advantages of working in secure maritime locations, makes ABP an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager : Defence in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Senior Business Development Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching ABP and their current projects. Understand their commercial strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your thoughts on how you can contribute to their defence activities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve successfully managed contracts or partnerships. We love hearing about your strategies and how you navigated complex stakeholder relationships, especially in the defence sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growth in the defence market.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager : Defence in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience with MoD and defence Primes, and showcase your commercial management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 in defence-related activities and how you can contribute to ABP's growth. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you've managed contracts and built long-term partnerships, especially in the defence sector.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about ABP and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence sector, especially focusing on the Ministry of Defence and key players like BAE and QinetiQ. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to ABP's commercial strategy.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your approach to contract management and how you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships, as this role heavily relies on these skills.
✨Align with ABP's Vision
Familiarise yourself with ABP's existing operations and their strategic goals within the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives and how you can leverage their assets for growth in defence-related activities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think about potential challenges in the defence sector and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking and commercial insight.
