Business Development Manager - Defence Sector

GWR Recruitment Ltd; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Business Development Manager to enhance its Defence Sales team. This position requires proven experience in business development within the defence sector, strong networking skills, and a proactive approach. The role is supported by a competitive salary and commission structure, allowing for significant earning potential. The firm is committed to employee well-being and offers a hybrid work model along with various benefits, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Health plan scheme

Upskilling apprenticeship opportunities

Cycle to work initiative

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Social and wellbeing events

Hybrid working (post-training period)

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess proven experience in business development or sales account management within the defence sector.
• Success in this role requires ability to thrive under target-driven conditions and build robust sales pipelines.
• Security Check (SC) clearance is mandatory for this position.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate expertise in networking and relationship-building within the defence and intelligence communities.
• Prospect for new business and maintain relationships with key decision-makers.
• Collaborate closely with the Defence Sales Support Team.

Skills

Proven experience in business development

Established industry contacts

Outstanding communication skills

Proactive working style

Negotiation skills

Job description

Our client is a leader in delivering advanced technology solutions to the defence sector. With significant growth objectives, they are expanding the Defence Sales team to capitalise on new opportunities and strengthen their position within this vital industry.

We are pleased to introduce two openings for Business Development Managers to support their strategic expansion. This is an excellent opportunity to join a team committed to innovation, developing new business prospects, and showcasing the high quality of their capabilities.

Compensation and Remuneration

Your salary will reflect your experience, which will be discussed during the recruitment process. Sales targets are aligned with your base salary, establishing clear benchmarks for success. Given the longer sales cycles typical of the defence sector, it is reasonable to expect that on‑target earnings (OTE) will increase substantially after your first year. The OTE arrangement is uncapped, affording substantial earning potential as you develop your sales portfolio.

About the Role

As a Business Development Manager, you will demonstrate expertise in networking and relationship‑building within the defence and intelligence communities. The role combines sales activities with some account management responsibilities.

Key duties include prospecting for new business, expanding existing accounts, and maintaining relationships with key decision‑makers. You will collaborate closely with the Defence Sales Support Team, ensuring you can dedicate your efforts to meaningful sales discussions while administrative support is provided.

The position is also supported by a Head of Defence Sales and other accomplished business development professionals. You will cooperate with internal technical teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet client requirements. While repeat business remains important, generating new sales with both new and existing customers is key to the success of this role.

Our client offers a competitive salary and commission structure, with targets transparently linked to base salary and outlined in the bonus scheme rules. New hires benefit from phased targets to help establish their customer base. During the first month, training and induction are conducted onsite and full‑time. Thereafter, a hybrid work model is available, typically three days in the office and two days working remotely per week. Attendance at networking events is encouraged to foster new opportunities and raise awareness of the business’s offerings.

Candidate Requirements

• Candidates should possess proven experience in business development or sales account management within the defence sector, established industry contacts, and a results‑oriented approach.
• Success in this role requires the ability to thrive under target‑driven conditions, build robust sales pipelines, and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Suitable backgrounds include former military service members who have transitioned to sales, or individuals with relevant sales experience serving defence clients.
• An understanding of defence tender processes and frameworks is essential for achieving sales objectives.
• Outstanding communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills are required, along with proactive and cooperative working styles.
• Security Check (SC) clearance is mandatory for this position, and arrangements for this can be made if necessary.
• If you are seeking a role where your achievements are recognised and your earning potential is unlimited, we invite you to apply and contribute to a team dedicated to ambition and excellence.

Team Overview

The Defence Sales team consists of seasoned experts with strong industry networks. They actively participate in networking opportunities, leveraging sector knowledge to drive growth. Collaboration is central to their approach, with highly capable sales support staff and technical specialists working together to deliver practical solutions that exceed customer expectations and foster enduring partnerships. The team is enthusiastic about attracting new talent to further its objectives.

A Great Place to Work

Our client is proud to be accredited as a 'Great Place to Work', based on feedback from their employees. They encourage authenticity in the workplace and value the diverse skills and experiences each individual brings. Our culture supports the contributions and innovative ideas of all team members. Employee wellbeing is a priority, reflected in regular team events, awards, and charitable initiatives. Commitment to environmental responsibility has earned them recognition, including status as a net positive business, producing more energy than they consume.

They promote a healthy work‑life balance through flexible hybrid working arrangements, convenient transport connections, complimentary staff parking, and secure bike storage.

Summary of Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days
• Health plan scheme
• Upskilling apprenticeship opportunities
• Cycle to work initiative
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Social and wellbeing events
• Hybrid working (post‑training period)
• Modern breakout room
• Kitchen and shower facilities

Our client believes that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age or any other legally protected characteristics. They are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support and embrace diversity.