Director of Business Development - Defence and National Security

GME Australia; Sydney; On-site; AUD 230,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

GME Australia is seeking an experienced Director of Business Development for Defence and National Security to lead growth across Defence, Nat'l Security and Critical Infrastructure. You will shape and secure strategic opportunities, manage major tenders, and build senior stakeholder relationships with government agencies and industry partners.

Reporting to the General Manager - Defence, you will drive revenue growth, collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams, and

Qualifications

• Experience in Defence, Nat'l Security or Critical Infrastructure is required.
• Proven track record of winning complex opportunities and securing contracts.
• Experience leading tenders, bids and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of Defence customers, procurement processes and stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship skills with ability to influence customers and partners.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure strategic opportunities across Defence, Nat'l Security and Critical Infrastructure sectors.
• Build and maintain relationships with Defence customers, government agencies and partners.
• Lead major sales opportunities from engagement to tender submission and contract award.
• Develop winning commercial strategies aligned with GME's products and partnerships.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Marketing to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Defence sector experience

Senior BD leadership

Bid & tender management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Relationship building

Cross-functional leadership

Revenue growth focus

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering

Job description

Director of Business Development - Defence and National Security

GME Defence delivers advanced technology services and products to Defence and Defence Industry. Our service offering includes secure electronic design, prototyping, manufacturing and test services, and the delivery and support of government-certified cyber security products from our US partners Owl Cyber Defense.

As we continue to expand our presence across Defence, Nat'l Security and Critical Infrastructure markets, we are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Director of Business Development to lead our growth strategy and capture activities.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for identifying, shaping and securing strategic opportunities that align with GME's products, manufacturing capabilities, engineering services, and key technology partnerships.

Why Join Us?

Join a respected Australian technology and manufacturing leader with a strong reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and growth.

Shape strategic Defence opportunities and partnerships while advancing your career in a high-impact leadership role.

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager - Defence , you'll be responsible for finding and securing new business opportunities across the Defence and critical infrastructure sectors. You'll build strong relationships with customers and industry partners, lead major bids and contract opportunities, and help grow GME's presence in the Defence market.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive business growth by identifying and securing new opportunities across Defence, Nat'l Security and Critical Infrastructure sectors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Defence customers, government agencies, industry partners and prime contractors.
• Lead major sales opportunities from initial engagement through to tender submission, negotiation and contract award.
• Develop winning strategies that position GME's products, services and technology solutions to meet customer needs.
• Partner with internal teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Marketing to deliver successful outcomes.
• Develop and maintain sales and commercial relationship with Owl Cyber Defense as a GME supplier.
• Build channel partnerships to promote GME reach with respect to Owl Cyber Defense sales.
• Represent GME at Defence industry events, conferences and networking opportunities while identifying new partnerships and market opportunities.

About You

You are a commercially driven business development leader with deep Defence sector experience and a strong track record of winning complex opportunities.

You are equally comfortable operating at a strategic level with senior Defence stakeholders and driving the detailed execution required to secure major contracts.

You have an understanding of technologies and services centred on electronics and cyber security systems.

Skills & Experience Required

• 10+ years' experience in Defence, Nat'l Security or Critical Infrastructure, including 5+ years in a senior business development or growth role.
• Proven success securing new contracts, growing customer relationships and delivering business growth.
• Experience leading complex tenders, bids and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of Defence customers, procurement processes and industry stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence customers, partners and internal teams.
• Commercially minded with strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills.
• Confident communicator with strong presentation and negotiation abilities.
• Highly organised, results-driven and able to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Collaborative leader who can bring together cross-functional teams to achieve successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, develop winning strategies and convert them into revenue growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government NV1 Security Clearance.

Join GME and help deliver innovative Australian solutions that support Defence, Security, and Resilience outcomes across the nation.