Job Title: Business Development Manager – Defence

Location: Swindon / London (Flexible, with travel)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 + £6,325 car allowance

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager – Defence to lead growth and brand development within the UK defence sector. This role is central to expanding our presence across public and private defence markets, driving strategic opportunities, and building long-term client relationships in alignment with the company’s strategic growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Defence Sector Director in shaping and executing the defence business development strategy.
• Identify, assess, and develop new business opportunities across UK defence and infrastructure sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and decision-makers within defence organisations.
• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities, promoting our capabilities and value proposition.
• Attend sector pipeline and business development meetings, providing updates on opportunities and market intelligence.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis, maintaining accurate and up-to-date intelligence in Salesforce or other CRM systems.
• Prepare and contribute to Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs), and bid strategy development.
• Participate in tender kick-off meetings, offering strategic business development insight to support winning proposals.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the UK defence sector, gained through the Armed Forces, defence contracting, or relevant government organisations.
• Proven track record of business development or client relationship management within the defence, infrastructure, or construction sectors.
• Strong understanding of defence procurement legislation and MOD processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and ability to translate opportunities into tangible outcomes.
• Proficient in CRM systems, ideally Salesforce.
• Flexible to travel between offices and client locations across the UK.

Core Values

• Integrity: Operate with honesty, transparency, and fairness in all interactions.
• Accountability: Take ownership, meet commitments, and deliver on promises.
• Innovation: Seek out creative, forward-thinking solutions and continuous improvement.
• Delivery: Commit to excellence and reliability in every project.
• Sustainability: Promote safe, responsible, and long-term business practices.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape and grow the company’s defence sector strategy.
• Work in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible working options with regular engagement across key UK hubs.