Vice President Business Development, Defence

GKN; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a VP of Business Development in the UK. This role focuses on building relationships within the defence sector, managing strategic campaigns, and promoting the company's capabilities in winning contracts. Candidates should possess a strong network within the UK government and MoD, along with experience in business development in the aerospace and defense industry.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Opportunities for career advancement

Qualifications

• Minimum of UK SC Clearance required.
• Established network in the UK defence industrial ecosystem.
• Experience in business development and campaign management in aerospace and defence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture customer relationships in defence aerospace.
• Position GKN as a strategic partner for MOD procurements.
• Grow business through participation in defence procurement.
• Lead strategic campaigns to capture new product opportunities.

Skills

Business development

Relationship management

Strategic planning

Knowledge of NATO and EU

UK SC Clearance

Job description

This is a pivotal role to lead business development in the UK. The main focus is to position and win new defence programmes with key primes. This leadership role will sustain and grow GKN's position in the UK, through a network of senior contacts in the government and MoD, and by promoting GKN's national competency and capability to win contracts for future defence aerospace capability procured by the UK and partners.

Key to success are positive existing relationships with OEMs and senior members (decision makers) in the Government and MoD, including key stakeholders that will support GKN's success. As the VP UK BD, the candidate will be responsible for developing and leading strategic campaigns that would create opportunities for other GKN sites in Europe.

This will require intrinsic knowledge of NATO, EU and national future equipment programmes in line with increased defence spending ambitions. The role will be supported by the BD team within GKN Defence.

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the VP Strategy and Business Development the role responsibilities are:

• Develop and nurture close customer relationships, ensuring GKN is positioned at the forefront of new equipment programmes;
• Position GKN as the strategic supply chain partner for defence aerospace procurements by the UK MOD & international partners where applicable;
• Grow GKN business through industrial participation in strategical defence procurement programmes;
• Capitalise on the multi-technology and industrial footprint for near term capture;
• Responsible for top line growth in the UK, and other markets where applicable, through defined campaigns;
• Partner with directors to develop vision, mission and strategy for the defence strategic campaigns & captures leading up to a RFP and contracts;
• Within the UK responsible for influencing and lobbying towards all relevant stakeholders for developing defence strategic campaigns;
• Collaborate with the relevant stakeholders on the formulation, capture and development of strategic business development initiatives and priorities;
• Steers, guides and inspires Strategy and Proposal team(s) to successfully conclude campaigns;
• UK National with a minimum of UK SC Clearance;
• Established network of senior stakeholders in the UK defence industrial ecosystem;
• Existing network and high level contacts with relevant MoD and Government stakeholders/ decision makers;
• Tangible experience in developing campaigns and captures for new products - especially uncrewed systems;
• Tangible and relevant experience in business development and campaigning/capture knowledge within the UK Aerospace & Defense industry and market;
• Relevant experience in business development and/or campaigning/capture knowledge within the Netherlands Aerospace & Defense industry and market;
• Recent experience with defence OEMs;
• Relevant experience in working with global teams and campaigns.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career. We'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working. Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute.