Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager at First Military Recruitment

Location: Northampton, UK

First Military Recruitment is seeking a Business Development Manager for a client in the packaging industry. The role involves selling and developing bespoke packaging solutions across various verticals, including the defence sector and local packaging markets throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. You will work closely with the European Defence Leader, other Defence Account Managers, and Sub‑Regional and Local Management to identify and capture new opportunities.

• Prospect and win new business from packaging customers in and around Northampton.
• Execute the defence strategy in the UK market and identify opportunities within the defence initiative.
• Develop sales of products and services to defence sector customers.
• Build local resources to manage defence projects and conduct awareness campaigns with key UK players.
• Drive business with existing and new defence customers, aligning with company strategy, goals, and objectives.
• Collaborate with the European Defence Leader to leverage contacts and emerging potentials.
• Conduct sustainability initiatives and cost‑take‑out exercises on strategic defence accounts.
• Supervise key projects of selected accounts where applicable.
• Implement governance processes for defence projects.
• Monitor tender and procurement channels relevant to the defence sector.
• Maintain proactive communication with the customer base, local and European teams.
• Obtain necessary customer documents to facilitate RFQs, order processing, shipment, installation, invoicing, and payment.
• Follow the sales process and use marketing materials for proposals and meetings.
• Adhere to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the company Code of Conduct.
• Adopt relevant defence regulations such as STANAG, Mil‑STD, and DEF STAN where advantageous.

• Government, Military or Defence experience (highly desirable).
• Experience with government tender procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to sell solution‑based products.
• Ability to identify and solve complex customer problems.
• Objective evaluation of information, recommendation of action, and implementation.
• Coordination of tasks across multiple departments in a timely manner.
• Effective presentation and question‑response skills in varied environments.
• Additional language skills beneficial.
• Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to convey complex concepts individually or to a group.
• High perseverance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Understanding of engineering drawings and specifications.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Sales and Business Development

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing;
Defence and Space Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at First Military Recruitment by 2x.