Business Development Manager

CGI; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology and consulting firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in maritime operations. The role involves developing new business opportunities, supporting strategy execution, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the defence sector. Successful candidates will have at least 5 years of experience, strong negotiation skills, and a network in the maritime industry. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension

Private healthcare

Share scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Navy, maritime operations, or defence.
• Proven ability to execute business development strategies.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Understanding of sales and marketing in defence or government sectors.
• Broad network across the maritime ecosystem.
• Driving licence & willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Support strategy for OpenSea360 and secure sales opportunities.
• Drive engagement through client presentations and proposals.
• Develop marketing aligned with CGI's brand.
• Lead product introduction in targeted segments.
• Build relationships with Government and industry leaders.
• Serve as trusted advisor to clients.
• Prepare tailored proposals and presentations.
• Represent CGI at industry events.

Skills

Business development strategy execution

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Self-motivated

Understanding of maritime operations

Job description

Business Development Manager

Position Description

The Space, Defence and Intelligence (SDI) business unit in CGI is a true IT Systems Integrator. We work, build, and operate bespoke, technically complex, mission‑critical systems which help our clients keep us all safe and secure. We bring innovation to our clients using proven and emerging technologies, agile delivery processes and our deep expertise across the breadth of space, defence, intelligence, aerospace and maritime, all underpinned by our end‑to‑end cyber capability. We work collaboratively with global technology companies, cutting edge SMEs and academia to deliver the optimal solution for each client.

CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named one of the 'World's Best Employers' by Forbes magazine. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you'll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We'll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

As a Business Development Manager at CGI, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, qualifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities for CGI OpenSea360 and other maritime related areas. Working closely with the leadership team in maritime and wider SDI, you will execute strategies that drive growth across both public and private sector clients.

This role will primarily be based at our Chippenham office, however there will be regular travel to client sites across the UK and abroad. Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance.

Your future duties and responsibilities

• Support and execute the strategy for OpenSea360 and other maritime areas to identify, qualify, and secure sales opportunities.
• Drive engagement through direct client interaction, presentations, proposals, sea trials, and thought leadership content (white papers).
• Develop and implement marketing and sales programmes aligned with CGI's brand positioning to increase brand awareness.
• Lead product introduction and market penetration initiatives to strengthen CGI's presence across targeted market segments, working with established and new geographies and new markets entirely.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including Government, Defence, and Maritime industry leaders and boat builders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by understanding client challenges and aligning CGI solutions to deliver measurable value and influence key stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of tailored proposals and client presentations. Collaborate across CGI teams to ensure all technical and business requirements are addressed effectively.
• Represent CGI at relevant industry events, trade shows, and forums to promote CGI's capabilities, thought leadership, and market visibility globally.

Required qualifications to be successful in this role

Essential:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the Navy, maritime operations, or defence industry, including exposure to navigation, tactical operations, or advanced electronic systems.
• Proven ability to develop and execute business development strategies within B2B or B2G environments.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with confidence presenting to senior audiences for multi‑million pounds deals.
• Understanding of sales and marketing in defence, government, or maritime environments.
• Highly self‑motivated, capable of working independently and collaboratively within a dynamic, team‑oriented organization.
• Broad network across boat users, procurement, boat builders, COTS manufacturers, and the maritime ecosystem.
• Driving licence & willingness to travel in UK and beyond.

Desirable:

• Familiar with SV‑ECS, Mini‑ECDIS, ECDIS and WECDIS.
• Comfortable operating an 8m RIB CGI owned craft independently and managing associated administration.
• Powerboat Level 2 license or equivalent real‑world powerboat experience.
• A high level understanding of boat electronic systems.

Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action.

Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because

You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.

Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.

You’ll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.

Come join our team‑one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world.