Business Manager (Defence)

Gold Group Ltd; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly, collaborative working environment

Support for professional institution membership

Extensive training and development

Flexible working arrangements

Annual bonus based on performance

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Optional private medical insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

A leading consultancy in UK Defence is looking for a Business Manager to drive growth in the Defence Land and Air markets. This strategic role involves developing a 5-year plan, building customer relationships, and leading business development efforts. The ideal candidate will have experience in the UK Defence sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including hybrid working and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in Land and/or Air systems, such as Land Systems, Soldier Systems, Air Systems.
• Strong customer relationship skills and an established network in the industry.
• Proven track record in business development and capture planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a 5-year strategic plan for Defence Land & Air sectors.
• Lead business development activities to pursue new opportunities.
• Mentor and support colleagues in business development skills.

Skills

Strategic planning

Customer relationship management

Business development

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Background in UK Defence sector

Job description

Business Manager (Defence)

Permanent, Hybrid Working

Based in Bristol, Plymouth, Liverpool, Portsmouth, or Cardiff.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Defence Business Manager to play a leading role in driving growth across UK Defence Land and Air markets in particular. This senior, strategic position offers the opportunity to shape sector direction, build strong customer and partner relationships, and lead business development activities in a highly respected consultancy environment. You will work closely with technical delivery teams and sector leaders to identify, influence, and secure new opportunities while ensuring excellent customer outcomes across an active project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead delivery of a 5-year strategic plan for the Defence Land & Air sectors, aligned with company objectives
• Own and deliver the annual plan, collaborating with leaders across other business areas
• Lead business development activity, identifying and pursuing new opportunities and relationships
• Influence and capture opportunities to achieve order and growth targets
• Analyse market drivers and help shape service offerings to meet evolving client needs
• Build and maintain high-performing relationships with customers, collaborators, and delivery partners
• Lead and oversee bid and proposal development, ensuring compelling and competitive submissions
• Mentor and support colleagues developing business development and capture skills
• Maintain strong customer relationships while supporting quality, profitability, and delivery across projects
• Hold overall responsibility for customer, partner, and collaborator interactions
• Provide regular pipeline and business development updates to senior leadership

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• A background in the UK Defence sector, ideally within a consultancy environment
• Experience across Land and/or Air systems, such as Land Systems, Soldier Systems, Air Systems, or CyberEM Defence
• Strong customer relationship management skills with an established network and positive industry reputation
• A proven track record in strategic planning, business development, capture planning, and delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
• Commercial awareness and the ability to guide bid and project decision-making
• Effective leadership skills, with the ability to motivate individuals and teams across the business

Due to the nature of the work, eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance is required.

What's On Offer

You'll join an organisation that values long-term, sustainable growth and empowers individuals to shape the future of the business. In addition to a competitive salary, benefits include:

• Friendly, collaborative working environment
• Support for professional institution membership
• Extensive training and development (consultancy skills and technical development)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Annual bonus linked to personal performance and company profitability
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• Holiday buy/sell options
• Company pension scheme
• Optional private medical insurance (post-probation)
• Life insurance
• Recruitment referral bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme

• A genuine employee-owned culture, where staff have a meaningful stake in the business's success
• Decisions focused on long-term stability and sustainable growth, not short-term shareholder profits
• Increased transparency and trust, with leadership accountable to employees
• A collaborative environment where your voice and ideas help shape the future of the organisation
• Shared success, with employees benefiting directly from strong business performance

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business. We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website.