Business Manager (Defence)
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Based from Bristol, Plymouth, Liverpool, Portsmouth or Cardiff.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Defence Business Manager to play a leading role in driving growth across UK Defence Land and Air markets in particular. This is a senior, strategic position offering the opportunity to shape sector direction, build strong customer and partner relationships, and lead business development activities in a highly respected consultancy environment.
You will work closely with technical delivery teams and sector leaders to identify, influence, and secure new opportunities while ensuring excellent customer outcomes across an active project portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
As Defence Land & Air Business Manager, you will:
Develop and lead delivery of a 5-year strategic plan for the Defence Land & Air sectors, aligned with company objectives
Own and deliver the annual plan, collaborating with leaders across other business areas
Lead business development activity, identifying and pursuing new opportunities and relationships
Influence and capture opportunities to achieve order and growth targets
Analyse market drivers and help shape service offerings to meet evolving client needs
Build and maintain high-performing relationships with customers, collaborators, and delivery partners
Lead and oversee bid and proposal development, ensuring compelling and competitive submissions
Mentor and support colleagues developing business development and capture skills
Maintain strong customer relationships while supporting quality, profitability, and delivery across projects
Hold overall responsibility for customer, partner, and collaborator interactions
Provide regular pipeline and business development updates to senior leadership
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
You will be able to demonstrate:
A background in the UK Defence sector, ideally within a consultancy environment
Experience across Land and/or Air systems, such as Land Systems, Soldier Systems, Air Systems, or CyberEM Defence
Strong customer relationship management skills with an established network and positive industry reputation
A proven track record in strategic planning, business development, capture planning, and delivery
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
Commercial awareness and the ability to guide bid and project decision-making
Effective leadership skills, with the ability to motivate individuals and teams across the business
Due to the nature of the work, eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance is required.
What's On Offer
You'll join an organisation that values long-term, sustainable growth and empowers individuals to shape the future of the business.
In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include:
Friendly, collaborative working environment
Support for professional institution membership
Extensive training and development (consultancy skills and technical development)
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Annual bonus linked to personal performance and company profitability
25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
Holiday buy/sell options
Company pension scheme
Optional private medical insurance (post-probation)
Life insurance
Recruitment referral bonus
Cycle to Work schemeThis client is an Employee Owned Trust which offers career benefits that a larger corporation may not;
A genuine employee-owned culture, where staff have a meaningful stake in the business's success
Decisions focused on long-term stability and sustainable growth, not short-term shareholder profits
Increased transparency and trust, with leadership accountable to employees
A collaborative environment where your voice and ideas help shape the future of the organisation
Shared success, with employees benefiting directly from strong business performance
Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
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