Business Development Manager - Defence

About the role

The client is a fast‑growing manufacturing business that has recently secured investment and is looking to accelerate its defence revenue stream. As the Defence Business Development Manager you will design and execute a go‑to‑market strategy, build new customer relationships and expand existing accounts across the defence sector.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a 12‑24 month defence go‑to‑market plan, setting targets, segments and routes‑to‑market.
• Identify and win new defence customers while managing and growing current accounts.
• Map and engage MoD departments, OEMs, system integrators and supply‑chain partners to uncover operational and product gaps.
• Own quarterly and annual sales targets, including value, margin and mix.
• Lead tenders, proposals, pricing and bid governance processes.
• Support acquisition of relevant accreditations and maintain compliance.
• Generate leads through research, tradeshows and industry networks.
• Recruit, train and launch indirect sales channel partners.
• Maintain disciplined CRM usage and produce regular pipeline and activity reports.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, operations, quality and finance to translate requirements into deliverable solutions.

Required profile

• Proven experience in business development or sales within the defence or related high‑tech manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic relationships with government and industry stakeholders.
• Track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and managing complex bids.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of defence procurement processes.

Required skills

• CRM

What we offer

• Competitive salary £70,000‑£80,000 per year.
• Hybrid working model (approximately two days per week on‑site at the East Anglia headquarters).
• Opportunity to shape a strategic defence growth initiative within an expanding company.