Business Development Manager

MICHAEL PAGE; Hart; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defence electronics manufacturing seeks a dynamic Business Development Manager to drive growth in the defence sector. This strategic role involves engaging with major prime contractors and executing business development strategies. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, particularly in the aerospace or defence industries, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development within the defence/aerospace sector.
• Experience with prime contractors like BAE Systems, Thales.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and industry compliance.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities within the defence sector.
• Develop a targeted business development strategy.
• Build relationships with procurement and engineering teams.

Skills

Business Development

Strategic Account Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Negotiation

Communication

Job description

Be part of a company at the forefront of defence electronics manufacturing

• Work in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment with a passionate team

About Our Client

Surface Technology International (STI) is a leading provider of electronics design and manufacturing services, specialising in high-reliability applications for the defence, aerospace and security sectors. With a heritage of over 30 years, STI is trusted by global customers to deliver quality, innovation, and excellence. Their capabilities span the entire product lifecycle - from design and prototyping to full-scale production and logistics - making them a true partner in mission-critical manufacturing.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Development Manager to spearhead growth in the defence sector, with a particular focus on engaging and expanding partnerships with major prime contractors. This is a strategic role, integral to STI's vision of becoming a key partner in the UK and international defence supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, engage, and secure new business opportunities within the defence sector, particularly with Tier 1 defence primes and key integrators.
• Develop and execute a targeted business development strategy to support STI's growth objectives in defence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with procurement, engineering, and program teams at target accounts.
• Drive early engagement on new programs, positioning STI as a trusted manufacturing partner from concept through to production.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including engineering, operations, and program management to ensure alignment with customer needs.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and government defence initiatives to identify emerging opportunities.
• Represent STI at trade shows, industry forums, and customer events to build brand presence and credibility.
• Lead bid and proposal development in coordination with the commercial and technical teams.

The Successful Applicant

The Business Development Manager will have:

• Proven track record of business development or strategic account management in the defence or aerospace sector.
• Experience working with or for prime contractors (e.g., BAE Systems, Leonardo, Thales, MBDA, Raytheon, etc.)
• Strong understanding of defence procurement processes, industry compliance, and program lifecycles.
• Background in electronics manufacturing, systems integration, or advanced engineering services is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercially astute with a strong customer-first mindset and solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to travel across the UK as required.

What's on Offer

On offer is a competitive base salary and package as well as a fantastic platform to grow and develop your career further!

Contact

Amit Johal
Quote job ref
JN-062025-6764647Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required, we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third-party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.