Senior Business Development Manager – Aerospace and Defence

Permanent | UK-based | Fully Remote | 30 – 37.5 hours per week | Regular UK and European travel

About Our Client

Our client is a small, established UK business development and representation firm specialising in the aerospace and defence sector.

They represent a portfolio of specialist engineering and manufacturing companies, predominantly based overseas and largely in the US, and develop their business with aerospace and defence customers across the UK and Europe.

They act as an extension of their clients’ commercial teams, supporting opportunities from initial identification through to contract award.

They are now adding a Senior Business Development Manager to their European team.

The Role

This is a senior, hands-on business development role with equal responsibility for managing and developing an existing portfolio of clients and generating new opportunities on their behalf.

• Manage and develop relationships with an existing portfolio of specialist engineering and manufacturing clients.
• Identify and develop new aerospace and defence opportunities across the UK and European markets.
• Match client capabilities with relevant customers, programmes, applications and requirements.
• Build relationships with senior contacts across engineering, procurement, programme management and commercial functions.
• Support opportunities from initial introduction and qualification through RFQ, proposal and contract award.
• Represent our client and their clients at customer meetings, exhibitions and industry events in the UK and Europe.
• Work independently while keeping clients and colleagues well informed on opportunities, priorities and progress.

Regular travel is an important part of the role, so candidates should be UK-based and within easy reach of a major airport.

About You

Our client is looking for someone who understands how aerospace and defence organisations buy, how their supply chains work and how to develop business credibly within the sector.

• Significant experience within aerospace and/or defence.
• A technical, engineering, programme or procurement background combined with proven B2B business development experience.
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defence supply chains and procurement processes.
• Credibility with senior engineering, commercial, programme and procurement people.
• Experience identifying opportunities, developing relationships and progressing complex B2B sales.
• Ability to work independently and manage a portfolio of clients and opportunities.
• Ex-forces candidates with relevant procurement or capability experience are also welcome.

The role particularly suits an experienced aerospace or defence professional who has moved into business development and wants to combine detailed industry knowledge with a commercially focused role.

What Our Client Offers

You will have considerable autonomy, a broad portfolio across the European aerospace and defence sector and the support of a small, experienced team.

The position is fully remote and can be worked on a full-time or reduced-hours basis, from 30 to 37.5 hours per week, with regular UK and European travel.

Remuneration comprises a competitive basic salary, dependent on experience, plus a performance-related element.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant aerospace or defence experience.