Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Defence
Salary: €80,000 – €100,000 + circa €30,000 uncapped bonus + car allowance

If you already have strong relationships across the Nordic defence sector and know how to open doors, influence decision-makers, and win strategic opportunities, this is the role to elevate your career.

We’re looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to lead growth across Sweden and the wider Nordic defence market. This is a high visibility role focused on building long-term partnerships with Armed Forces, Ministries of Defence, procurement agencies, system integrators, and defence resellers.

You’ll have the autonomy to make an impact, the backing of a well-established international business, and the opportunity to work directly within one of the fastest-growing areas of defence technology.

This role would suit someone currently working in defence sales, military technology, secure communications, rugged mobility, or an ex-military professional with strong commercial instincts and industry connections.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business growth across the Nordic defence and military sector
• Develop relationships with Armed Forces, Ministries of Defence, procurement teams, and defence contractors
• Identify, qualify, and win new defence opportunities
• Build and execute strategic sales plans across key accounts and partners
• Work closely with system integrators, distributors, and resellers
• Manage the full sales cycle from pipeline creation through to closing deals
• Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline management
• Represent the business at defence exhibitions, military events, and industry meetings
• Travel across the Nordics as required (15–25%)

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in defence sales, military sales, government sales, or defence technology
• Existing network within the Swedish or Nordic defence sector
• Proven ability to win and grow strategic accounts
• Experience working with military stakeholders, procurement teams, and defence integrators
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Self-motivated, resilient, and commercially focused
• Fluent in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or Finnish, with professional English skills
• Military leadership or Special Forces background is highly advantageous

Package

• €80,000 – €100,000 base salary
• Circa €30,000 uncapped OTE
• Company car / car allowance
• Pension and benefits
• Hybrid working
• Significant career progression opportunities

Location

Sweden is preferred, although strong candidates based in Finland will also be considered.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

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