Business Development Director
Global Defence and Autonomous Systems
A rapidly scaling defence technology company is seeking a Business Development Director to lead global revenue growth across government and defence customers. This role is focused on winning complex defence programmes, expanding into high-demand international markets, and building long-term relationships across ministries of defence, armed forces, and government agencies. The successful individual will play a key role in shaping the company’s international growth strategy while remaining hands‑on in deal execution. This is a senior individual contributor role reporting directly into C level leadership, with clear progression as the business scales.
Key responsibilities
- Own and drive global revenue growth across defence and government customers
- Develop and execute market entry strategies across Europe, the Nordics, Eastern Europe, and selected international regions including the Middle East and Asia Pacific
- Build and maintain senior relationships across ministries of defence, armed forces, procurement bodies, and prime and sub prime contractors
- Lead complex sales cycles involving trials, evaluations, government programmes, and long term contracts
- Represent the company at defence exhibitions, military demonstrations, and international industry events
- Work closely with engineering and product teams to align customer requirements with capability development
- Provide market intelligence and customer insight directly to executive leadership
Background and experience
- Proven experience in defence business development or sales, ideally within UAV, autonomous systems, robotics, or adjacent defence technologies
- Strong understanding of how government defence programmes operate, including procurement, trials, and long sales cycles
- Demonstrated ability to open new markets and win business through senior stakeholder engagement
- Existing network across defence ministries, military users, or defence primes is highly advantageous
- Prior military experience is beneficial but not essential
- Comfortable operating in a scale up or growth environment with high autonomy and accountability
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Salary: $165,000.00-$175,000.00
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