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Senior Business Development Manager - Defence

Working on an exclusive basis, we are supporting Associated British Ports - ABP, to identify a NEW strategic Senior Business Development Manager on an initial 2-year fixed term contract, to further expand their defence sector activities.

As the largest port operator in the UK, this position of Senior Business Development Manager will report to and work alongside the Port Director/CEO and is to deliver commercial growth for defence related activity through ABP's land and facilities, whether through existing links with the Ministry of Defence and similar relationships or, through private company / organisation attraction.

Specifically, the role will identify, target, negotiate and manage contracts with Defence customers and contractors (including Defence Primes and their supply chains), ensuring compliant, profitable and resilient long-term partnerships. Indicative clients are defence stakeholders including MoD, DE&S, BAE, Babcock, QinetiQ and other key integrators, as well as SME's and other organisations.

Recognising the prominence of their existing operations close to UK maritime/water locations, as well as the considerable land and facilities development opportunities which exist in secure relating locations, the Senior Business Development Manager will specifically:

-    Develop and deliver ABP's Defence commercial strategy aligned with regional and group priorities.

-    Identify market opportunities related to Defence estate, ship visits, laybys, logistics, training, R&D activities and infrastructure projects.

-    Prepare, lead and negotiate tenders, bids and multi-year commercial agreements.

-    Work closely with Strategy, Property and Operations to build Defence offerings aligned to capability and port assets.

In addition:

-    Own the commercial lifecycle: pricing, terms, negotiation, contract mobilisation and renewals.

-    Ensure clarity of scope, service levels and KPIs for all Defence customers.

-    Track and manage revenue performance, identifying risks and opportunities.

o    Consideration on Security will need to be made on potential customer interests from outside of the UK.

-    Ensure that all property business at both Regional and Group level is conducted in a manner that complies with relevant legislation, ABP and environmental regulations & guidelines.

-    Support and manage bid and tender delivery and include:

o    Programme integration and development

o    Internal company communication and customer integration

o    Target added-value content and future programme inclusion

-    Represent ABP at events and forums.

-    Report internally on opportunity and project status as well as provide direction on timing plans and revenue prospects.

-    Maintain close alignment with port leadership teams, operations, marine, safety, and legal.

-    Support Group initiatives that involve Defence estate, property agreements or infrastructure partnerships. Coordinating with Property on Defence estate leases, easements and long-term land arrangements.

-    Work closely with Finance Business Partners for forecasting, pricing and margin review.

-    Contribute to defence-related capital projects, feasibility studies and business cases.

-    Provide commercial insight for major Defence port developments or infrastructure upgrades.

To support this position, suitable candidates should/will have the following experience levels:

-    Experience working with MoD and defence Primes. 

-        Proven commercial management experience within defence, marine, logistics, infrastructure or government contracting.

-    Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

-    Demonstrated ability to work with complex stakeholders and sensitive programmes.

-    Financial literacy with experience in pricing, revenue modelling and contract performance analysis.

-    Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.

-    An effective network within the Defence Industry. 

-    Understanding of port operations, marine services, supply chain or major infrastructure delivery.

-    Degree in Business, Commercial, Law, Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).

-    Professional commercial or procurement certification desirable (e.g., CIPS, IACCM/WorldCC).

This is a strategically focused position seeking a commercially experienced professional. With defence sector awareness being a MUST, you should be able to support security clearances and can support working on a hybrid/remote basis, being able to travel as required.

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.

Business Development Manager - Drives

Our client is a world leader in axial flux electric motor technology, delivering exceptional power density, efficiency, and compact packaging for high-performance applications. To support further growth and application / sector diversification, we are seeking a new hybrid-based Business Development Manager to support further growth across non-automotive, engineering services and R&D environments in particular – this is a “hunting” role and requires a direct business development approach.

Primarily based in central/southern England and with a strong emphasis on deep customer research, opportunity origination and strategic new business acquisition, the Business Development Manager will centre on intelligence led business development. You will systematically research, prioritise and penetrate target customers, building new relationships based on technical insight and engineering credibility.

Converting research into actionable pipeline opportunities and position our client as a strategic propulsion partner early in program development cycles, responsibilities include:

• Initiate new OEM relationships through highly tailored, insight driven outreach
• Engage engineering and advanced development teams before formal RFQ stages
• Challenge incumbent Tier 1 suppliers and in house motor programs with data led positioning
• Lead exploratory technical commercial meetings
• Convert early engagement into formal RFI/RFQ’s
• Targeting customers precisely
• Articulate the technical and commercial benefits of our clients’ products at an application level
• Quantify performance advantages (mass, packaging, efficiency, thermal capability)
• Collaborate with engineering teams to shape feasibility discussions
• Develop compelling, architecture level value propositions
• Position our client as a strategic propulsion partner rather than a component supplier
• Conduct deep analysis of OEM electrification strategies, platform architectures, and powertrain roadmaps
• Identify programs where our clients’ technology provides measurable performance or packaging advantage
• Develop detailed account intelligence
• Monitor evolving motor technologies and propulsion strategies
• Identify displacement opportunities within incumbent supplier relationships
• Provide structured market feedback to the CCO and engineering leadership
• Contribute to long-term commercial strategy and target selection
• Translate research into clear account entry strategies

Experience & Skills

• 8+ years in powertrain business development, strategy or technical sales
• Demonstrated success in cold OEM acquisition
• Experience selling complex engineered systems into long-cycle programs
• Strong technical literacy in electrified propulsion systems
• Proven ability to influence senior engineering stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial mindset with structured research capability

Suitable applicants should ideally have a strong engineering-based degree and have exposure to an UK/European/Global OEM network. Understanding R&D cycles and methodologies would be beneficial.

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.

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.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level in the clean energy revolution? This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking company that's driving sustainable change across the public sector and clean energy markets. With a competitive salary and the potential to earn up to 40% commission, this role offers incredible earning potential, career growth, and the chance to make a real difference in a rapidly expanding industry. If you're passionate about sustainability and have a flair for building strong client relationships, this could be the perfect role for you.

What You Will Do:

- Identify and engage new business prospects across the UK, focusing on public sector and clean energy sectors.

- Manage and grow relationships with existing clients, ensuring exceptional customer experience and retention.

- Utilise AI-driven tools to research, qualify, and bid for public sector opportunities.

- Collaborate with marketing and pricing teams to tailor proposals and campaigns for prospects.

- Attend client meetings, site visits, and industry events to build valuable connections.

- Contribute ideas to improve sales processes, decision-making, and market agility.

What You Will Bring:

- 1-3 years of experience in business development, prospecting, or telemarketing, ideally within solar, EV charging, or clean energy sectors.

- A self-motivated mindset with a can-do attitude and a focus on achieving outcomes.

- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders.

- Proficiency in using CRM systems, AI tools, and digital platforms to manage opportunities effectively.

- A genuine passion for sustainability and a desire to grow within a clean-tech business.

As a Sales Account Executive, you'll play a crucial role in helping this ambitious company achieve its mission of powering the transition to cleaner, smarter energy. By identifying opportunities, nurturing client relationships, and leveraging innovative tools, you'll directly contribute to the adoption of sustainable technologies that make a real impact. This company is part of a larger global organisation, offering the perfect blend of entrepreneurial spirit and robust support to help you succeed.

Location:

The role is based in Sheffield, offering a hybrid working model with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

Interested?:

If you're ready to join a fast-growing clean-tech business and make your mark as a Sales Account Executive, apply today and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career.

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.

Business Development Manager - Defence / Hybrid

In support of an existing, established global manufacturing company with the further growth of UAV product sales and services across a broad spectrum of applications, we are seeking a Business Development Manager who will support strategically aligned growth across their Defence portfolio in both UK and international markets. The role is primarily focused on identifying, shaping and securing new business opportunities within established strategic frameworks and priority campaigns.

Operating within a defence environment, the Business Development Manager will work closely with internal technical, programme and commercial teams to develop a strong pipeline of opportunities aligned with customer capability requirements and organisational growth objectives. The role requires strong understanding of defence procurement environments, stakeholder engagement and opportunity capture processes.

Duties and Tasks

-    Collaborate with engineering, programme management and commercial functions to ensure proposed solutions are deliverable, competitive and aligned with customer needs.

-    Contribute to long-term business growth planning by identifying emerging capability requirements, innovation opportunities and partnership options within the defence ecosystem.

-    Develop a deep understanding of customer capability priorities, operational requirements and technology roadmaps across the defence domain.

-    Develop and manage a robust opportunity pipeline, progressing prospects through the opportunity lifecycle including identification, qualification, capture planning and contract award.

-    Ensure full compliance with company governance processes, export control regulations and all applicable UK and international legal and regulatory frameworks.

-    Establish and maintain trusted relationships with key defence customers, industry partners and strategic stakeholders.

-    Identify, shape and progress new business opportunities across the Defence sector in alignment with the organisation's strategic priorities and capability roadmap.

-    Maintain accurate pipeline data and forecasting, providing visibility of opportunity status, order intake expectations and business growth potential.

-    Provide customer insight, market intelligence and competitor awareness to inform business growth strategies and bid development activities.

-    Support the development and execution of campaign and capture strategies for priority opportunities within strategic customer accounts.

-    Work collaboratively with internal bid and capture teams to help shape solutions and support the development of compelling, customer-focused proposals.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be expected to bring maturity and credibility when engaging with customers, senior managers and stakeholders. They expect the incoming Business Development Manager to be able to demonstrate the following skills and capabilities:

Skills:

-    Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, programme management, commercial and bid teams.

-    Excellent communication and influencing skills, including the ability to engage technical, commercial and operational stakeholders.

-    Effective strategic thinking and commercial awareness, with the ability to align opportunities to organisational capability and growth priorities.

-    Highly developed stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust with customers and partners.

-    Strong analytical and market assessment skills, with the ability to evaluate opportunities, competitors and customer priorities.

-    Strong opportunity identification and qualification skills, with the ability to translate market intelligence into viable business opportunities.

-    Strong pipeline management and forecasting capability, ensuring accurate reporting of opportunity status and order intake expectations.

-    Well-developed presentation and briefing skills, able to clearly articulate value propositions and capability offerings to customers and internal stakeholders.

Knowledge:

-    Awareness of defence technology trends, capability development programmes and operational requirements relevant to the organisation's portfolio.

-    A degree (in Business or Engineering), STEM preferred.

-    Demonstrable experience in business development, capture management or strategic sales within the defence, aerospace or security sectors.

-    Experience contributing to or supporting bid and proposal development within structured bid governance processes.

-    Experience developing and managing opportunity pipelines, including opportunity identification, qualification and capture planning.

-    Familiarity with export control regulations, security requirements and governance frameworks applicable to the defence industry.

-    Knowledge of campaign management and strategic account development within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

-    Strong understanding of defence procurement environments, including UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) acquisition processes and, ideally, international defence markets.

-    Understanding of commercial principles, contracting mechanisms and the defence acquisition life-cycle.

Note, due to the activity of the role, all prospective candidates will need to be able to support UK SC.

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.