Business Development Manager (Air)

KBR; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A government support services company in the UK is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in the Defence sector specifically within the Air domain. The successful candidate will identify new opportunities, engage stakeholders, and lead bids. This hybrid role requires strong relationship management and a strategic approach to business development. Applicants must have SC Clearance and experience in delivering measurable business growth.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to deliver measurable business growth.
• Experience generating leads and identifying business opportunities.
• Confidence in driving technology-led solutions with strategic insight.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue Air business opportunities aligned with Defence strategy.
• Conduct market research and analyse trends for growth strategies.
• Develop and implement sales strategies for successful contracts.

Skills

Business development

Market research

Stakeholder engagement

Sales strategies

Job description

The Role

KBR s Government & Defence business is a strategic partner to UK Defence, delivering mission-critical support across infrastructure, operational resilience, and capability sustainment. We enable Defence clients to meet evolving challenges through integrated solutions, technical excellence, and trusted advisory services.

Following a strategic refresh, our Defence portfolio has been repositioned to reflect emerging priorities across homeland security, battlefield sustainment, and international partnerships. To accelerate growth, we are seeking a Business Development Manager to identify new Defence opportunities within the Air domain, lead bids across frameworks and tenders, strengthen relationships with MOD and industry stakeholders, and secure new business aligned to UK Defence transformation.

Location

This is a hybrid role with flexible working practices. The successful candidate will be required to regularly attend Leatherhead, with travel to client sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue Air business opportunities aligned with our Defence strategy and priority sectors
• Conduct market research and analyse trends to inform growth strategies
• Initiate client engagement, understand their needs, and align solutions with our capabilities
• Work closely with subject matter experts to develop tailored proposals
• Oversee the transition of secured business opportunities to operational teams
• Establish strong relationships with critical stakeholders, developing engagement methods and leads
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on KBR methodology and technology, effectively representing KBR externally
• Build and maintain a robust network across clients and partners, proactively identifying growth opportunities

The Business Development Manager reports to the Head of Government & Defence and is responsible for:

• Developing the business development strategy for their domain area, identifying markets, stakeholders, frameworks, and initiatives
• Establishing and nurturing a strong stakeholder network through personal connections and initiatives
• Providing insights into market trends and competitor activity within their domain area
• Positioning the KBR team ahead of tender opportunities and actively tracking leads
• Converting opportunities into successful contract wins and driving overall team growth
• Drafting compelling sales materials and supporting marketing efforts as needed.

What we Need

• Deliver measurable business growth by converting opportunities into tangible results
• Generate their own leads and consistently identify new business opportunities
• Drive business development for technology-led solutions with confidence and strategic insight
• Develop and implement sales strategies that lead to successful contracts and long-term partnerships
• Conduct market research and analyse data to inform business decisions and stay ahead of competitors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and industry partners through effective networking
• Skilled in using digital platforms, without needing to be an IT specialist

Security Requirements

SC Clearance - requires British nationality and a minimum of 5 years continuous residency in the UK.