Head of Business Development - Defence / Secure Technology

Applause IT; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Defence Cyber Security Vendor is in search of a Head of Business Development to spearhead growth across UK Defence. This remote-first role demands a strategic leader with experience in Defence Business Development, capable of managing long sales cycles and building senior relationships within the MOD. The compensation package includes a basic salary of £100,000 - £120,000, performance-related bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, all aimed at driving strategic impact in defence programmes.

Benefits

Significant performance-related bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Remote-first working with flexibility

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a Defence-focused business development strategy.
• Identify and win opportunities across MOD and Defence primes.
• Build and maintain senior relationships at various levels.
• Manage long sales cycles and complex procurement processes.
• Develop compelling value propositions for secure technologies.

Skills

Defence Business Development

Networking within MOD / UK Defence

Selling secure IT

Stakeholder engagement

Understanding Defence procurement

Commercial strategy

Translating technical solutions

Job description

About this job

Head of Business Development - Defence / Secure Technology

Location : UK - Remote / Flexible (MOD Site Travel Required)

Salary : £100,000 - £120,000 basic + Significant bonus + package

(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.

Ideal candidate location

• 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

• Strategic, commercially focused and results-driven
• Confident, credible and persuasive communicator
• Highly organised with strong planning capability
• Adaptable, resilient and comfortable with ambiguity
• Trusted and discreet in sensitive environments

Package

• £100,000 - £120,000 basic salary
• Significant performance-related bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Remote-first working with flexibility
• Opportunity to on nationally critical Defence programmes

Apply Now

If you are a Defence-focused Head of Business Development looking for a senior leadership role with real strategic impact, apply now .