Head of Business Development - Defence Sector

NOVA Partners Executive Search & Selection; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NOVA Partners Executive Search & Selection seeks a Head of Business Development for the Defence sector. This senior, client-facing role will build pipeline, shape capture strategy, and strengthen relationships across Defence, including with capability acquisition stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be a commissioned officer (Major or Colonel), possess a deep Defence network, and be based in Melbourne or Canberra, ready to lead growth of the Defence and rail sector practice.

Qualifications

• Commissioned officer to the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel, ideally within the Royal Australian Artillery or a closely related corps background
• Genuine, firsthand understanding of how Defence identifies and progressed capability development work
• Active network of peers and former colleagues now serving at senior ADF rank (Colonel / Brigadier and above)
• Exposure to Defence capability acquisition processes and engagement with CASG — a core part of this firm's client base
• Some initial exposure to business development, account management, or client-facing work in industry
• Based in, or willing to be based in, Melbourne or Canberra

Responsibilities

• Build pipeline in Defence sector and shape capture strategy
• Strengthen relationships across Defence with capability acquisition stakeholders
• Lead senior BD initiatives to grow Defence and rail sector practice

Job description

Head of Business Development - Defence Sector

Our client is an established consulting firm supporting Australia's Defence and rail sectors, with services spanning bid and proposal management, systems engineering, project management, training systems, and logistics support and asset management. As the business continues to grow its Defence-sector footprint, they are seeking a Head of Business Development to build pipeline, shape capture strategy, and strengthen relationships across Defence — including with capability acquisition stakeholders.

This is a senior, client-facing leadership role for someone who understands how Defence identifies, develops and acquires capability from the inside — and is ready to bring that insight into a commercial setting.

About You

• Prior service as a commissioned officer to the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel, ideally within the Royal Australian Artillery or a closely related corps background
• Genuine, firsthand understanding of how future capability requirements are identified and progressed within Defence (for example, through capability concept and future capability development work)
• An active network of peers and former colleagues now serving at senior ADF rank (Colonel / Brigadier and above), and strong relationships across the broader Defence and industry community
• Exposure to, or strong interest in, Defence capability acquisition processes and engagement with CASG (Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) — a core part of this firm's client base
• Some initial exposure to business development, account management, or client-facing work in industry — a single prior role is sufficient, seniority in that role is not essential
• Based in, or willing to be based in, Melbourne or Canberra

What's on Offer

• A genuinely senior, strategic BD mandate with a direct line to executive leadership
• The opportunity to help grow a well-established Defence and rail sector consulting practice
• A platform to build on your service network commercially, within an organisation that understands and values ADF experience