At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business development in UK defence, opening new accounts and converting opportunities into signed contracts.
- Company: Fast-growing defence-tech company with a mission-first mentality.
- Benefits: Ownership of your role, dynamic environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Expect frequent travel and a collaborative team atmosphere focused on success.
- Why this job: Join a team that values speed, action, and innovation in the defence sector.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in business development with a strong network in UK defence.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This role exists to move Xtend UK beyond its current single-customer base into the Royal Navy, RAF, Army HQ, Strategic Command, and selected private security channels. You own pipeline and revenue contribution. We are not looking for passive relationship management - we are looking for someone who builds pipeline, opens accounts, and converts opportunities into signed business.
Core responsibilities:
- Build and execute the wider-MOD BD plan - Royal Navy, RAF, Army HQ, Strategic Command, DE&S, Front Line Commands.
- Open the doors that are currently closed.
- Stand up a parallel private-security and homeland channel (CORPS, Level Peaks, ETC, and other channels worth developing).
- Run the full BD cycle: identify, qualify, position, capture, and hand to bid for closure.
- Own pipeline health and forecasting with the discipline of a sales leader.
- Own revenue contribution. Numbers are the scoreboard - drive deals to signature.
- Represent Xtend UK at DSEI, Three Counties, and the events where the customer base concentrates - and convert presence into qualified opportunities.
- Work closely with VP BD, MD, and global engineering teams to align the product roadmap with what UK customers are actually buying.
- Open prime and sub-contractor relationships with UK defence primes where this accelerates win rate.
Requirements:
- 8+ years BD and capture in UK defence, with a personal network across at least two of: Army, Navy, RAF, DE&S, primes.
- Demonstrable track record taking new accounts from initial engagement to signed contract, with references available on request.
- Hunter mentality. You measure success in qualified pipeline and closed revenue, not in meetings booked.
- Strong command of MOD procurement - DEFCON, Single Source, ITT, CP&F - and the political reality behind it.
- Credible in front of senior military officers, civil servants, and prime executives within the same week.
- Fluent English; right to work in the UK.
- Strong advantage: ex-military officer background (Maj / Lt Col / Sqn Ldr / Cdr level or equivalent), prior UAV / ISR / counter-UAS exposure, existing SC or DV clearance.
Environment and expectations:
- Xtend UK is a fast-growing defence-tech company. Pace is high, structure is being built, and ownership is real.
- You will be expected to contribute beyond the formal scope of your role.
- Team members support each other to execute the mission successfully.
- Mission-first mentality. We are building capability that ends up in the hands of operators - that comes before process and hierarchy.
- This role is about commercial ownership and momentum creation - opening doors that did not exist for the company a week earlier.
- Operating with limited support infrastructure is part of the job.
- You bring the network, the discipline, and the closing instinct - we provide the product and the backing.
- Frequent travel and customer-facing presence are core to the role, not an exception to it.
- Execution speed matters. We operate with urgency, high ownership, and a strong bias toward action.
Business Development Director in Swindon employer: Xtend
Xtend UK is an exceptional employer for those seeking a dynamic and impactful role in the defence sector. With a mission-first mentality and a fast-paced work environment, employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects and contribute meaningfully to the company's growth. The culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development and networking within the military and defence communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to your contacts. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your results! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your past successes in building pipelines and closing deals. Use specific numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've turned opportunities into signed contracts. We love a good success story!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for job openings to appear; reach out to companies you admire, like Xtend UK, and express your interest. Share how you can help them open new doors and drive revenue. A little initiative can go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep your finger on the pulse of the industry. Stay updated on MOD procurement processes and current trends in defence tech. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field. Plus, it’ll give you great talking points when you meet potential employers!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hunter Mentality:We want to see that you're not just about managing relationships but actively hunting for new opportunities. Highlight your past successes in building pipelines and converting leads into signed contracts. Make it clear that you thrive on the thrill of the chase!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'pipeline health' and 'MOD procurement', to show that you understand what we’re looking for. Personalise your cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission.
Demonstrate Your Network:Your connections matter! If you have a personal network within the Army, Navy, or RAF, let us know. Share specific examples of how you've leveraged these relationships to open doors and drive business. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running!
Be Ready to Showcase Your Results:Numbers speak volumes in this role. Be prepared to discuss your track record in detail, including metrics like qualified pipeline and closed revenue. We want to see that you measure success by results, not just activity. Show us what you've achieved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Xtend
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the UK defence landscape. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges within the Royal Navy, RAF, and Army HQ. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to Xtend UK's growth.
✨Showcase Your Hunter Mentality
Prepare examples that highlight your proactive approach to business development. Discuss specific instances where you've successfully opened new accounts or converted opportunities into signed contracts. This will demonstrate your fit for a role that demands a hunter mentality.
✨Understand MOD Procurement Processes
Brush up on your knowledge of MOD procurement, including DEFCON and Single Source regulations. Being able to discuss these processes intelligently will show that you’re not just familiar with the industry but also ready to navigate its complexities.
✨Demonstrate Your Network
Be ready to talk about your existing connections within the military and defence sectors. Highlight how your personal network can be leveraged to open doors for Xtend UK. This is crucial for a role that relies heavily on relationships and pipeline building.
