At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead growth in the aerospace defence sector and close complex deals.
- Company: ZeroAvia, a pioneering company in aviation technology.
- Benefits: Private health care, mental health support, free lunch, and stock options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to shaping the future of aviation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while driving innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in defence markets with proven sales success.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
ZeroAvia is seeking a senior commercial leader to lead and deliver growth across the aerospace defence sector. This role suits an experienced defence-market operator with a proven track record of closing complex deals, taking opportunities from early engagement through to signed contracts, funded programmes, and recurring revenue. The successful candidate will be personally accountable for defence revenue growth, owning opportunities end to end and acting as the single point of leadership from identification to contract signature, working closely with national defence ministries, international agencies, defence primes, and platform partners to convert ZeroAvia’s sovereign technologies into commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver defence revenue targets
- Personally lead priority defence deals from first contact through commercial close
- Maintain disciplined pipeline management and deal accountability
- Capture Leadership & Commercial Execution
- Lead capture strategy for defence opportunities, including:
- Opportunity qualification and go/no‑go decisions
- Customer alignment and sponsorship
- Key account management and relationship development
- Shape and negotiate complex commercial agreements
- Play a hands‑on role in negotiation, remaining directly involved through signature
- Defence Customer Engagement That Converts
- Act as ZeroAvia’s senior commercial interface with national defence ministries, international defence agencies, defence primes and system integrators
- Build trust and credibility at the level required to unlock funding decisions and programme starts
- Secure customer champions capable of driving internal approval and budget release
- Partnerships That Generate Revenue
- Establish and manage partnerships with primes and system integrators
- Align partner requirements with ZeroAvia’s technology roadmaps and commercial objectives
Required Experience & Background
- 10+ years’ experience in defence or aerospace markets with direct commercial responsibility
- Clear, demonstrable personal track record of delivering full sales cycles from origination to closure in defence
- Experience selling into national defence ministries and international defence agencies and partnering with defence primes and Tier 1s
- Deep understanding of defence budgeting, funding and procurement processes
- Evidence of owning revenue outcomes, not just supporting bids or partnerships
Highly Desirable
- Experience commercialising new or disruptive technologies into defence markets
- Background in aerospace propulsion, power systems or aircraft systems
- Proven history of converting demonstrations into funded programmes, partnerships and recurring revenue
- Existing Security Check or Direct Vetting clearance
Personal Attributes
- Strong bias toward closure and revenue generation
- Comfortable being personally accountable for deal outcomes
- Commercially assertive and credible in defence environments
- Persistent, resilient, and effective in long and complex sales cycles
- Able to operate with ambiguity while maintaining commercial discipline
Benefits
- Private health and dental care – get access to services and support when you need it.
- Mental health support – enjoy a culture where positive mental health is front of mind with our trained Mental Health First Aiders, Employee Assistance Programmes and wellbeing support.
- Free lunch and healthy snacks – keeping you fuelled up so you can help us deliver the technology of the future.
- Sports, games and culture clubs – connect and keep fit with other ZeroAvians by joining one of our subsidised clubs – such as, running, cycling, padel, trivia, theatre and gardening.
- Stock options – so you can share in our success.
- 25 days holiday, plus public holidays – to help you manage your work‑life balance.
- Free EV Charging and membership in our EV Club.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes for EV Club, Curry's Tech, Cycle to Work, and Ikea Furniture.
- Weekly Spot Bonuses to reward excellence.
- Income Protection and Legal Support for peace of mind.
- Relocation Support to make your move seamless.
Diversity and Inclusion
As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal‑opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Business Development Director - Defence employer: ZeroAvia Inc
ZeroAvia is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the aerospace defence sector. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including private health care, mental health support, and generous holiday allowances, we foster a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth and collaboration. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside unique benefits like stock options and relocation support, makes ZeroAvia a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to innovative technologies that shape the future of aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for those tricky interviews! Research ZeroAvia’s technologies and understand how they fit into the defence landscape. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but that we’re genuinely excited about what the company is doing. Let’s impress them with our knowledge!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. We should express our appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate our enthusiasm for the role. It shows we’re proactive and really want to be part of the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining ZeroAvia and ready to take on the challenges in the defence sector head-on!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Director role. Highlight your experience in the defence sector and showcase specific examples of complex deals you've closed. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at ZeroAvia!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on your achievements! Use metrics and specific outcomes to demonstrate how you’ve driven revenue growth and managed key accounts. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the defence industry. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZeroAvia Inc
✨Know Your Defence Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence sector. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with ZeroAvia's goals in the aerospace defence market.
✨Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare specific examples of complex deals you've closed in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach from initial engagement to contract signature. Highlight your ability to navigate through the intricacies of defence procurement processes.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Establish a connection with your interviewers by demonstrating your understanding of their needs and challenges. Use your interpersonal skills to build trust, as this role requires strong relationships with national defence ministries and international agencies.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've driven revenue growth in previous roles. Share insights on how you’ve aligned customer needs with business objectives, and be ready to talk about your strategies for managing partnerships and key accounts effectively.
