Business Development Manager – Defence

Overview

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking a Defence Business Development Manager on behalf of one of our clients.

You will be responsible for building company presence in the UK and European defence sector, with a primary focus on securing product specifications on military vehicle platforms. The role is central to achieving the strategic objective of becoming a key partner to leading defence primes.

Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

• Map the defence vehicle landscape across the UK and Europe, identifying new programmes and business opportunities.
• Position the company as a preferred supplier within military vehicle supply chains.
• Build and maintain strong networks with defence primes and industry influencers.
• Develop trusted relationships with programme decision‑makers, procurement leads and engineers.
• Drive pipeline growth by winning new specifications for company products.
• Support bid processes with technical and commercial input.
• Deliver revenue growth targets aligned with the defence strategy.
• Track defence budgets, procurement timelines and competitor activity.
• Provide regular pipeline updates, forecasts and account development reports to leadership.
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events and customer meetings.
• Promote the company brand and build visibility in the defence community.
• UK‑based, with significant travel across UK and Europe.

• Significant experience in business development within the defence vehicle sector.
• Strong, active network within UK and European defence primes.
• Demonstrated success in influencing specifications and securing new programme wins.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders across technical and commercial functions.
• High level of commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• Winning mindset with strong initiative and drive.
• Professional credibility and integrity in a sensitive, regulated sector.
• Collaborative working style, able to partner with engineering, operations and leadership teams.
• Resilient, adaptable and motivated by challenging goals.

• Understanding of vehicle systems integration and supply chain complexities.
• Additional European language skills (e.g., German or French).
• Number of new vehicle programmes where products are specified.
• Annual growth in defence sector revenue.
• Achieving agreed activity targets.
• Quality and accuracy of pipeline reporting and forecasts.
• Depth and breadth of strategic relationships with defence primes.