Business Development Director

Business Development Director

Global Defence and Autonomous Systems

A rapidly scaling defence technology company is seeking a Business Development Director to lead global revenue growth across government and defence customers. This role is focused on winning complex defence programmes, expanding into high-demand international markets, and building long-term relationships across ministries of defence, armed forces, and government agencies. The successful individual will play a key role in shaping the company’s international growth strategy while remaining hands‑on in deal execution. This is a senior individual contributor role reporting directly into C level leadership, with clear progression as the business scales.

Key responsibilities

• Own and drive global revenue growth across defence and government customers
• Develop and execute market entry strategies across Europe, the Nordics, Eastern Europe, and selected international regions including the Middle East and Asia Pacific
• Build and maintain senior relationships across ministries of defence, armed forces, procurement bodies, and prime and sub prime contractors
• Lead complex sales cycles involving trials, evaluations, government programmes, and long term contracts
• Represent the company at defence exhibitions, military demonstrations, and international industry events
• Work closely with engineering and product teams to align customer requirements with capability development
• Provide market intelligence and customer insight directly to executive leadership

Background and experience

• Proven experience in defence business development or sales, ideally within UAV, autonomous systems, robotics, or adjacent defence technologies
• Strong understanding of how government defence programmes operate, including procurement, trials, and long sales cycles
• Demonstrated ability to open new markets and win business through senior stakeholder engagement
• Existing network across defence ministries, military users, or defence primes is highly advantageous
• Prior military experience is beneficial but not essential
• Comfortable operating in a scale up or growth environment with high autonomy and accountability

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Salary: $165,000.00-$175,000.00

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