Senior Director – Business Development (EU/UK Defense Markets)Location: Remote – Open to candidates based in the United Kingdom or European UnionEmployment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | International Travel RequiredAbout the OpportunityAn established global defense manufacturer is seeking a Senior Director of Business Development to lead strategic growth initiatives across the UK, EU, and NATO markets. This role will focus on expanding business in countries including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and key Eastern European nations.You’ll be responsible for developing capture strategies, identifying local partnerships, and driving opportunities from pipeline to close in collaboration with executive leadership, product teams, and global sales. The ideal candidate brings deep experience working with Ministries of Defense, NATO procurement portals, and government tender processes in Europe, with a strong understanding of ITAR, SME classification, and export regulations.Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify, qualify, and pursue business development opportunities across NATO-aligned countriesLead international capture strategies, opportunity assessments, and bid/no-bid decisionsEstablish and manage relationships with government agencies, Ministries of Defense, and procurement authoritiesIdentify and manage partnerships with local agents, consultants, and resellersMaintain opportunity pipeline in Salesforce and contribute to forecasting and strategic sales planningAttend relevant European defense trade shows, exhibitions, and customer engagement eventsCollaborate closely with internal cross-functional teams: Sales, Product, Engineering, Operations, and ComplianceSupport proposal and pricing efforts in response to RFPs and European tendersMonitor and interpret local procurement, labor, quality, and VAT/customs requirementsEnsure all opportunities meet applicable export compliance regulations including ITAR and EARQualificationsCollege degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)10+ years of international defense business development or capture management experience5+ years of direct experience working with European Ministries of DefenseFamiliarity with NATO NSPA, TED, or European government contracting portalsWorking knowledge of SME (Significant Military Equipment) classifications and export regulationsExperience managing VAT, EU customs processes, and quality/labor standards complianceNative or fluent English required; additional languages are a plusDemonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder government pursuitsStrong communication, CRM (Salesforce), and Microsoft Office skillsMust be a U.S. Person or eligible to obtain required export authorizationsWhy JoinStrategic leadership role with full ownership of EU/NATO defense growth initiativesGlobally respected product portfolio supporting defense, humanitarian, and emergency response missionsCompetitive compensation, bonus potential, and comprehensive international benefitsAutonomy to build long-term partnerships and drive high-visibility programsStrong internal support from technical, operations, and executive leadership teams