Head of Business Development Defence

Applause IT Recruitment

England

Remote

GBP 110,000 - 160,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Significant performance-related bonus

Remote-first working with flexibility

Opportunity to work on nationally critical Defence programmes

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the Defence sector is seeking a Head of Business Development to lead growth in UK Defence and secure government technology markets. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in Defence Business Development, a strong network within MOD, and the ability to translate complex opportunities into long-term revenue. This remote-first role also requires travel to MOD sites. Strong communication and strategic skills are essential for managing senior relationships and executing business strategies.

Qualifications

Proven experience in Defence Business Development.
Strong relevant network within MOD / UK Defence.
Experience selling secure IT, cyber security, or high-assurance systems.
Understanding of Defence procurement and frameworks.
Ability to manage long sales cycles.

Responsibilities

Lead a Defence-focused business development strategy.
Identify and win opportunities across MOD and secure government.
Build senior relationships with clients.
Line manage and develop the Business Development team.
Represent the business at industry events.
Represent the business at defence industry events and forums.
Line manage and develop members of the BD team.
Collaborate with marketing, engineering and delivery teams to drive growth.

Skills

Defence Business Development

Stakeholder engagement at 2, 1 and B1 levels

Commercial strategy

Ability to translate technical solutions

Strong network within MOD / UK Defence

Experience with secure IT and cyber security

Revenue growth

Value proposition

Job description

Head of Business Development – Defence / Secure Technology

Location: UK – Remote / Flexible (MOD Site Travel Required) (Negotiable for the right candidate)

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Overview

Applause IT are working with an established Defence Cyber Sec Vendor to recruit a new Head of Business Development to lead growth across UK Defence, MOD and secure government technology markets. This senior role will suit an experienced defence-focused BD leader with a strong network, strategic mindset and the ability to convert complex opportunities into long-term revenue.

Location & Travel

This is a remote-first role with regular travel to MOD and Defence client sites.

Along the M4 corridor, or
Must live south of Birmingham. Ideal locations include Cheltenham, Oxford, Swindon, Reading, Bristol. Counties of Berks, Bucks, Beds, Herts, Wilts, Northants, Glos, Worcs, Avon

Candidates based on the South Coast are unlikely to be suitable due to travel requirements across multiple MOD locations nearer M4 corridor.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and execute a Defence-focused business development strategy
Identify, shape and win opportunities across MOD, Defence primes and secure government clients
Build and maintain senior relationships at 2, 1 and B1 level**
Manage long sales cycles, frameworks and complex procurement processes
Develop compelling value propositions for secure and cyber-resilient technologies
Represent the business at defence industry events and forums
Line manage and develop members of the Business Development team
Collaborate with marketing, engineering and delivery teams to drive growth

Skills & Experience

Proven experience in Defence Business Development
Strong current relevant network within MOD / UK Defence
Experience selling secure IT, cyber security, information assurance or high-assurance systems
Senior stakeholder engagement at 2, 1 and B1 levels**
Strong understanding of Defence procurement and frameworks
Commercial strategy, pipeline development and revenue growth
Ability to translate technical solutions into commercial value

Personal Attributes