Business Development Manager

Latitude Recruitment; Chichester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing recruitment firm seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to expand their UK and international sales in the marine and naval defence sectors. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in business development or account management and a proven track record of securing contracts with government and international naval authorities. This role involves developing strategic plans, building industry relationships, and engaging in bid preparation. Opportunities for growth exist at a pivotal time for the business.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in business development or sales within the defence sector.
• Track record of securing contracts with MOD, NATO, or naval authorities.
• Experience in strategic growth planning across multiple regions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans.
• Identify new business opportunities with government and industry stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with decision-makers in the defence sector.

Skills

Business development

Sales experience

Account management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

PC literacy

Tools

ERP software

CRM software

Job description

Overview

Our growing clients, based close to Chichester, have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join their growing team.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead the company's UK and international sales growth across the group of businesses focusing predominantly (but not limited to) the marine and naval defence sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and key accounts with government, defence, and commercial clients worldwide.

The ideal candidate will possess both a strong technical acumen and commercial expertise to drive growth and long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic business development plans to expand market share in the UK and international marine and naval defence markets.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities with government defence departments, naval forces, shipyards, and key industry stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, procurement teams, and technical influencers within the defence and maritime sectors.
• Work closely with internal teams (engineering, production, finance, and sales) to ensure successful bid preparation, contract negotiation, and project delivery.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to inform strategic planning and product positioning.
• Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, defence industry events, and government briefings domestically and internationally.
• Lead the preparation of tenders, proposals, and presentations tailored to client and government requirements.
• Collaborate with business units to enhance brand presence and develop targeted campaigns for new market segments.
• Manage and report on pipeline activities using CRM tools; provide regular forecasts and performance reports to senior management.

Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• Ideally >5 years' experience in business development, sales, or account management within the defence, naval, or marine engineering sector.
• Proven track record of securing contracts or partnerships with MOD, NATO, OEMs, or international naval authorities.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering strategic growth plans across multiple regions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills at senior and government levels.
• Strong PC literacy skills including ERP/CRM software experience.
• Ability to travel frequently within the UK and internationally as required.

This is a great opportunity to grow and develop at a very exciting time for the business.