Senior Business Developer - National Security

Cambridge Consultants; Cheltenham, Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Consultants is seeking an experienced Senior Business Developer/Account Manager for its National Security unit in Cheltenham, with occasional travel to Cambridge. You will grow an account using established relationships and sector knowledge, shaping bids and propositions, and managing client relationships during delivery.

The role requires proven National Security BD/Account Mgmt, a strong network, and the ability to win multi-million-pound opportunities, working across our

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development or account management within the National Security sector.
• Evidence of delivering multi‑million‑pound sales.
• Established relationships and contacts within National Security client organisations.
• Experience developing and executing account plans and supporting bids.
• Technical or science background enabling technical conversations with clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own plan for growing a National Security account.
• Identify consultative relationships to enable further sales opportunities.
• Shape propositions with technical teams to maximise conversion.
• Support bids with positioning, win themes and pricing strategy.
• Coordinate with Cambridge Consultants teams to deliver client value.
• Build deep domain knowledge of the National Security market.

Skills

National Security exp

Networking

Client relationships

BD / Sales

Account management

Operational Cyber

Novel communications

Operational technology

Artificial Intelligence

Account planning

Technical background

Education

Technical or science degree

Job description

Introduction

We are proud of the work we do in National Security and the difference it makes to the safety and prosperity of the UK. We are looking for an experienced business developer / account manager to join our thriving Defence and Security Business Unit and grow our National Security business — bringing established sector experience, a strong network of contacts, and a track record of building trusted client relationships that turn into repeat business and deliver real impact.

Main purpose of the job

As Senior Business Developer / Account Manager, you will join an established commercial team working with clients across the National Security community. You will own and grow an area of our National Security business, using your existing relationships and sector knowledge to identify opportunities, shape work programmes and develop the commercial approach to bids, working on your own initiative to build your own line of business. Key client relationships and repeat business built on trust are the cornerstone of our commercial approach, and your responsibilities will include client management during project delivery.

This role is based in Cheltenham, with occasional travel to our Cambridge office.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own y our plan for growing business within a National Security account

• Identify and build consultative relationships with key clients and stakeholders across the National Security community, to enable further sales opportunities

• Identify sales opportunities and work with our technical teams to shape propositions, maximise conversion and close substantial sales

• Support bids with positioning, win themes and pricing strategy

• Interact with teams across the whole of Cambridge Consultants to bring the best technology to our clients to solve their problems

• Build and maintain deep domain knowledge of the National Security market and its challenges

What we're looking for

We are specifically looking for someone with established experience within the National Security sector, an existing network of contacts, and credibility gained through working closely with National Security clients and their delivery partners. You will have exposure to, and ideally direct experience in, one or more of:

• Operational Cyber

• Novel communications

• Operational technology

• Artificial Intelligence

To meet the requirements of this role you will have:

• A proven track record in business development or account management within the National Security sector, with evidence of significant sales delivered (e.g. multi-million-pound accounts)

• Established relationships and contacts within National Security client organisations and their supply base

• Experience developing and executing account plans, and supporting bids with client value proposition, win themes and commercial input

• A technical or science background giving you the credibility to engage confidently with technologists and clients alike

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships quickly

Previous experience of working in a consultancy, systems integrator, government agency or other 'fee for service' organisation would be an advantage. Due to the nature of the work, this role will be subject to Security Clearance Vetting procedures, and the successful applicant must hold UK nationality.

Type of work undertaken by the division

The Defence and Security Business Unit specialises in the design and development of innovative solutions for impactful client needs, from early research through to prototype manufacture and long-term delivery of equipment and services. Our workforce has broad expertise across Artificial Intelligence, sensing and data analytics, signal processing, radio frequency engineering, electronics, software development, mechanical design, physics and mathematics, allowing us to develop complete systems for our clients.

Why Cambridge Consultants?

Cambridge Consultants creates exciting and novel breakthroughs in technology and products, helping our clients achieve the kind of game-changing leap forward that will transform their whole business. At the heart of what we do are talented, motivated multi-disciplinary teams, empowered to solve difficult problems for our clients. We recognise and celebrate individual talent and support our people to pursue the projects that interest them and develop their careers in whatever direction they choose. Promotion is linked to merit.

By submitting an application to Cambridge Consultants, you confirm that the information provided in this application, together with any supporting documentation, is true, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief. You understand that any false statement, misleading information, or material omission may render you liable to disqualification from the recruitment process, withdrawal of any offer of employment, or dismissal without notice if discovered following appointment. You acknowledge that the organisation reserves the right to verify the information supplied.