Business Development Director (Aerospace, Defence & Space)

Business Development Director (Aerospace, Defence & Space)

Location: Hybrid (office in Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds) but homebased is an option.

Opportunity:

We are seeking a proactive individual to drive business development, sales, and manage client relationships in Aerospace, Defence and Space with substantial growth potential. The role involves full responsibility for submitting bids, negotiating commercial aspects for optimal terms and conditions, and working towards improving the Group’s market position and financial growth through sales generation. The successful candidate will join an experienced team with world-class engineering support, all based in the UK.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with internal teams to increase sales opportunities and maximise revenue.
• Identify new prospects, lead them through the sales process, and manage these relationships.
• Retain and expand existing accounts by introducing new solutions and services.
• Participate in commercial activities to bring products, solutions, or services to market.
• Present new products and services to potential clients and existing customers.
• Collaborate with technical staff and other internal colleagues to meet client needs.
• Organise and participate in internal and external client debriefs.
• Attend industry events, such as trade shows and conferences, and share leads with the Marketing team while providing information on market trends.
• Consult with mid and senior-level management on business trends to develop new services, products, and distribution channels.
• Use market and competitor knowledge to identify and develop the company’s unique selling propositions and differentiators.
• Submit weekly progress reports and manage CRM data.
• Identify opportunities for campaigns, services, and sales channels that will lead to increased sales.

Skills/Attributes & Experience:

• Experience selling bespoke RF and Electronic subsystem solutions where the project value is > £ 250k to Tier 1,2 Aerospace, Defence and or Space market.
• Extensive experience leading new business activities within RF electronics or semiconductors.
• Understanding of UK and EU defence contractors and associated suppliers.
• A deep network of contacts within defence primes at several levels including Exec, Eng & Supply.
• Ability to convey up-to-date competitor and market intelligence to influence new product development.
• Experience in the RF market DC to mmWave. Applications ranging from Critical comms, EW, Advanced weapons for land, air, and sea applications.
• Knowledge of the UK defence procurement process and DEFCON standards.
• Ability to apply a pragmatic business approach to key technical and operational decisions.
• Technical competence, financial, and commercial acuity.
• Experience forecasting and delivering orders, addressing any deviations from budget.
• Strong interpersonal skills, gravitas, and a commitment to customer service.
• Ability to quickly grasp new product knowledge and align benefits to a prospect’s need.
• Confidence in interfacing with all clients using demonstrated communication and presentation skills.
• Expertise in commercial and contract negotiation.
• Minimum degree qualified (or equivalent) in a related field.
• Security clearance would be an advantage, as would a UK passport.
• Travel is approximately 25% with occasional international travel.