Business Development Manager - Defence & National Security

Business Development Manager - Defence & National Security
Location: Hybrid - UK Travel (Midlands and South)
Salary: 60- 90K DOE + Commission + Car Allowance + Benefits

We're working with an ambitious UK technology business that's entering an exciting period of growth within the defence and national security sector.

With a strong reputation, innovative technology and an established customer base, the business is now investing in its commercial team and is looking to appoint an experienced Business Development Manager to help drive the next phase of growth.

This is a true new business role where you'll identify opportunities, build relationships and develop strategic accounts across government, defence and related industries. Working closely with senior leadership and technical teams, you'll help shape long-term growth while representing a business that's competing successfully against much larger organisations.

If you're someone who enjoys opening doors, building trusted relationships and winning complex opportunities, this is an opportunity to make a genuine impact.

What You'll Do

• Identify, qualify and develop new business opportunities across the defence and national security sectors.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders across government, MOD and industry organisations.
• Generate and manage a healthy pipeline of strategic opportunities.
• Develop account plans and identify routes into new programmes and projects.
• Lead early-stage customer engagement and discovery conversations.
• Work closely with technical specialists to develop compelling customer solutions.
• Support bids, proposals and commercial negotiations.
• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events and networking opportunities.
• Maintain accurate pipeline forecasting and CRM activity.
• Contribute to the company's long-term commercial strategy and growth plans.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven Business Development experience within defence, national security or a closely related technology sector.
• Strong track record of developing new business and generating pipeline.
• Experience managing long, consultative sales cycles.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially minded with the ability to identify strategic opportunities.
• Comfortable engaging with both technical and commercial decision-makers.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• British Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

Desirable Skills

• Existing network across MOD, defence primes or government organisations.
• Military background or Armed Forces resettlement experience.
• Experience selling secure networking, communications, cyber security or defence technology solutions.
• Understanding of government procurement frameworks and defence buying cycles.
• Experience working alongside technical pre-sales or engineering teams.
• Knowledge of highly regulated or secure environments.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary, Bonus and Commission Structure
• Car Allowance, EV salary sacrifice scheme, free on-site EV charging
• Company pension & Life assurance
• Employee benefits platform
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing technology business

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be British Citizens and eligible to obtain and maintain UK Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.

Candidates with existing security clearance are encouraged to apply, although this is not essential. Applications are welcomed from individuals with relevant defence or military experience who are looking to move into a commercial role.

Why Join?

This is far more than a traditional Business Development role.

You'll be joining a business with ambitious growth plans where your ideas, relationships and commercial expertise will directly influence its future success. Rather than inheriting a mature sales territory, you'll have the opportunity to shape strategy, build long-term customer relationships and help establish the next chapter of the company's growth.

The business is looking for someone who believes in building lasting partnerships rather than chasing short-term wins. If you enjoy working in complex, relationship-led sales environments and want the opportunity to make a visible impact, we'd love to hear from you.