Business Development Manager

Location: Leicester, UK (Hybrid Working)
Salary: 65,000 – 100,000 (DoE) + bonus + benefits
Security Clearance: Eligibility required

A specialist defence technology organisation developing and delivering tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military and security customers.

The company designs and integrates UAV platforms, ground control systems, and advanced ISR sensor capabilities supporting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Operating as part of a global defence technology group, the organisation is expanding its UAV capability and aims to become a leading centre of excellence for unmanned systems in the UK and Europe.

The Business Development Manager will support growth across the organisation’s defence portfolio in UK and international markets.

The role focuses on developing relationships with defence customers and partners, identifying new opportunities, and supporting capture and bid activities for strategically aligned programmes.

• Develop and maintain relationships with defence customers and industry partners

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities within the defence sector

• Manage and develop a strong pipeline of opportunities

• Support bid and proposal development with internal technical and commercial teams

• Provide market intelligence and customer insight to support growth strategy

• Support capture activities for priority opportunities and strategic accounts

• Ensure activities comply with defence governance and export control regulations

• Experience in business development, sales, or capture support within defence, aerospace, or security sectors

• Understanding of defence procurement environments (e.g. UK MoD)

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills

• Experience contributing to bids, proposals, or capture activities

• Ability to work with engineering, programme, and commercial teams

• Degree in Business, Engineering, or STEM discipline preferred

• Eligibility for UK security clearance

• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally

• Ability to work hybrid from the Leicester office

• Permanent role

• 9-day fortnight working pattern (37 hours per week, alternate Fridays off)

• Up to 10 annual performance bonus

• 20 contract award bonus if directly involved

• Company car or car allowance

• Company pension scheme (4–7 employer contribution)

• Life assurance up to 3x salary (6x if enrolled in pension)

• Private medical insurance (Aviva)

• Enhanced company sick pay

• Employee Assistance Programme & savings platform

• Training and development opportunities

• 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays, increasing with service