Business Development Manager; Defence & Aerospace) jc)

Business Development Manager (Defence & Aerospace) vacancy in Bristol or Swindon (224jc)

Business Development Manager (Defence & Aerospace) (224jc) – Bristol or Swindon - Circa £80,000 + Excellent Benefits Package

A superb opportunity for an RAF officer looking to shape the future of Defence capability in the Drone sector and you will ideally be based closer to Bristol.

Are you a former RAF Squadron Leader, senior Flight Lieutenant or Wing Commander with strong operational credibility and an extensive MOD network?

Have you spent time within capability development, programmes, requirements, innovation, procurement or headquarters appointments and are now looking to influence Defence from industry?

If so, this could be exactly the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Our client is a rapidly expanding defence technology business delivering advanced airborne capabilities to military and government customers around the world. They are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to become the recognised Air Domain lead across the UK, Middle East and Africa.

This is far more than a traditional sales role.

You will become the trusted face of the business across the RAF and wider Defence community, building long-term relationships with senior military officers, Front Line Commands, procurement organisations and government agencies.

You’ll help shape future capability requirements, influence procurement programmes and work alongside engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers operating in demanding environments.

You’ll also represent the business internationally, supporting expansion into Middle Eastern and African defence markets together with governments responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Developing strategic relationships across the RAF and UK MOD
• Identifying future opportunities before formal procurement begins
• Leading customer engagement from initial concept through to contract award
• Working closely with engineering and technical teams to translate operational requirements into practical solutions
• Supporting bids, demonstrations and customer trials
• Representing the company at UK and international defence exhibitions and trade events
• Helping shape future business strategy across the UK, Middle East and Africa

The role will involve regular travel throughout the UK, particularly to RAF Stations, High Wycombe, MOD establishments and Defence industry events, together with occasional international travel across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

You’ll probably have experience in areas such as:

• Squadron Command
• Capability Development
• Air Command
• Defence Procurement
• Programme Delivery
• Operational Planning
• ISR
• ISTAR
• Air Mobility
• UAS / Autonomous Systems
• Electronic Warfare
• Defence Innovation
• Headquarters Staff Appointments

You’ll be comfortable engaging with senior officers, government officials and industry leaders and possess the credibility to open doors that others cannot.

Commercial business development experience is desirable but certainly not essential. We’re much more interested in your ability to build trusted relationships, understand Defence procurement and recognise future opportunities. You will also need to hold or be able to hold UK SC clearance as a minimum.

We’re particularly interested in speaking with former:

• RAF Squadron Leaders
• Senior Flight Lieutenants
• Wing Commanders
• Air Capability Officers
• ISTAR specialists
• Intelligence Officers
• Engineering Officers
• Battlespace Management Officers
• Programme Managers
• Defence Equipment & Support personnel
• Officers who have worked within Air Command or Strategic Command

• Circa £80,000 salary, with excellent benefits package
• 25 days…