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Business Development Manager – Defence & Aerospace

By the time a defence tender hits the portal, the real opportunity has often already passed. We are looking for someone who knows this instinctively, a Business Development Manager who operates in the conversations that happen before requirements are written, where problems are still being defined and the right solution hasn't been commoditised yet.

This role is for a specialist engineering business delivering bespoke composite and metallic solutions across multiple industries. They don't compete on price lists, they solve complex problems. That means the real value is created early, when you're in the room, understand the challenge, and can shape what success looks like.

What You'll Do

Building the Pipeline Before It's Published

• Leverage your defence sector network to identify emerging requirements
• Engage with decision-makers at the problem definition stage, programme managers, engineering leads, capability planners
• Position the business as the problem-solving partner, not just another supplier on a framework

Translating Problems into Commercial Wins

• Match complex customer challenges to engineering capabilities and build compelling propositions
• Lead contract negotiations for strategic opportunities with commercial acumen and resilience
• Prepare costings, business models, and proposals that win on innovation and value
• Ensure compliance with MOD/DOD standards and export controls

Owning Strategic Relationships and Revenue

• Manage and grow key accounts that value partnership
• Deliver against ambitious growth and profitability targets
• Maintain disciplined CRM and pipeline management with accurate forecasting
• Represent the business at industry events and collaborate cross-functionally to bring solutions to market

What You'll Bring

The Network and the Knowledge

• Active, credible relationships across Defence and Aerospace built on delivering value
• Understanding of defence procurement, portals, and how decisions really get made
• Experience selling engineered solutions into demanding applications
• Familiarity with DEFCON compliance, Defstans, and MOD/DOD requirements

Commercial and Technical Fluency

• Ability to read technical drawings, understand manufacturing constraints, and speak the language of engineers
• Financially astute, you can build costings, interrogate margins, and make the business case work
• Proven track record of winning business and growing revenue in engineering/manufacturing environments

The Mindset

• Entrepreneurial and proactive, you see opportunities others miss
• Resilient negotiator with experience navigating complex bids and contracts
• Exceptional communicator who influences across technical and commercial audiences

Why This Role Matters

It's about being the person who understands where defence capability gaps exist, and who can shape a solution that solves the real problem.

You'll have the autonomy to build a pipeline based on insight, not just opportunity lists. You'll work with a business that backs problem-solving, and you'll be measured on the quality of relationships and strategic wins you deliver.

If you've been waiting for a role where your network, your sector knowledge, and your ability to operate upstream of procurement actually matter, this is it.

Our Client, a well established, family run business based in Brackley, are seeking a Business Development Executive to join their team. Reporting to the Business Development Director, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth for the whole company. It will involve building a pipeline of prospects and decision makers, and book appointments for the New Business external team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• New Business Calls - Calling potential new clients and fact find to obtain the right decision makers, contact details and any other information.
• To generate new leads for the sales team.
• Work closely with marketing on any campaigns
• Understanding their Points of Difference, and their key target customer profiles
• Continually follow-up warm leads in view of setting new business appointments for the sales team.
• Using the resources available to search new prospects – Linkedin, Google, Exhibitions, E-Shots, Phone Calls
• Appointment Booking - Once client interested booking appointments for the respective sales team to then grow and nurture the new client.

Requirements

• Experience of working with a team/alongside sales rep
• Passionate about the work you do, with the energy and drive to motivate the team around you (especially Internal)
• Good Communication Skills, empathy towards potential customers
• Attention to detail

Benefits

• Salary- £35,000- £38,000 basic plus commission
• Company bonuses based on sales targets
• Laptop Provided
• Monday- Friday 8.00am- 4.30pm (Can be flexible on these hours)

Our Client are recruiting for a Senior Business Development Manager to support the growing needs of the business. This client brings together nuclear fuel cycle engineering expertise to serve the group’s facilities and external customers. Its services range from Operational Support Engineering to full Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Management (EPCM) missions.

We have successfully recruited many candidates into this client and it is so wonderful to see their careers flourish with the support and guidance from an extremely strong Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements

Lead the development of the short- and medium-term key account and business development strategies for specific client accounts.

• Support the Head of Business Development to develop and maintain a contact programme with senior staff within client and partner organisations.

• Maintain regular contact with existing future potential customers.
• Develop Account Plans, Opportunity Capture Plans and Value Propositions.
• Support the Head of Business Development with developing Order Intake forecasts and budgets.
• Work within the governance framework to secure approval to pursue opportunities and to bid, including presenting details of opportunities.
• Anticipate new opportunities and support tendering activities by providing market intelligence to bids teams, or sometimes direct technical input or review.
• Keep track of market developments amongst clients, competitors, and suppliers, and look for opportunities to facilitate the growth across the UK nuclear industry.
• Understand the capabilities and areas of differentiation and promote these to customers.
• Capture information in a structured manner to facilitate sharing.
• Interface collaboratively within the business winning team, including marketing & communications and tendering, and with the wider business including technical disciplines and functions, in the UK and abroad

Benefits

Full-time, permanent, 37-hours a week

Travel may be required on occasion between the 3 different offices and Client sites

Hybrid working – 2 days minimum in the office each week, flexible working

Free on-site parking

Benefits:

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Additional 1 day off for every 1-year service which is capped at 5

Competitive salary

Annual Bonus Scheme

One Professional Membership subscription paid for by the company

Private medical insurance

Non-contribution pension scheme

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Group Income Protection

Group Life Insurance

Sports allowance

Online discount platform

At Oxford Global, our passion is driving innovation, expertise, and partnership within the life sciences industry. We are on a mission to empower professionals to accelerate research and achieve impactful results through cutting-edge, curated events, industry insights, and educational resources. Join us in shaping the future of the life sciences industry.

Oxford Global specialises in supporting solution providers within the life sciences industry with product launches, brand awareness and business development activities. Our diverse portfolio of products & services and areas of expertise within Oxford Global enable us to support companies in content creation & syndication, product marketing and digital & in-person event presence. We are looking for an ambitious, talented and hardworking individual to work closely with key decision makers and senior level management in leading global life science companies to understand their current focuses and identify how we can help in accelerating their marketing & business development efforts.

As a Business Development Executive, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth by identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities. Your focus will be on selling sponsorship packages for our industry-leading conferences, as well as offering digital marketing services and awards dinners in target markets. Your focus will be on getting in front of and fostering relationships with commercial stakeholders and decision-makers from leading solution and service provider companies operating in international markets. You will be also working closely with brand account managers on seamless handoffs of clients as they become our customers.

New Business is:

• Any company that has not participated in any OG event in the last full three years or more
• Any company that has never sponsored any OG event (could be past attendee of an event)

Role Responsibilities:

Prospecting & Lead Generation:

• Research and identify potential sponsors and exhibitors in target industries.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of new business prospects using HubSpot.
• Track interactions/tasks, manage pipelines, and work follow-ups.
• Ensure inbound New Business leads (MQLs) are promptly contacted and serviced.
• Work with marketing and brand directors to prioritise outreach in certain areas of the solution provider market landscape.

Sales & Relationship Building:

• Conduct market outreach through calls, emails, and meetings to build a strong pipeline of leads. Deliver compelling presentations and proposals tailored to client needs during both phone and Teams meetings.
• Use a multi-touch approach with strategically spaced follow-ups to engage leads over time.
• Attend competitor events with brand director to meet new clients face-to-face

Revenue Generation:

• Provide proposals that match client’s requirements and apply agreed pricing models, including early-bird incentives to encourage sign-ups
• Emphasise a consultative approach to address client concerns during negotiations.

Market Research:

• Share insights on new business client preferences, content demands to attract more new business.
• Stay Informed About Industry Trend and Follow industry publications, attend webinars, and track competitor activities.

Reporting:

• Report on sales performance, pipeline progress, and revenue expectations in weekly one to ones to the brand director/senior portfolio manager
• Report on KPIs on weekly and monthly basis with the aim to improve new business conversion rates

• Plus: on-site event management at in person events, assisting clients in the exhibition area, collecting feedback, supporting the event manager in all aspects of the event (international travel is required).

We are looking for someone with:

• Previous 2-4 years’ experience in a B2B sales role
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Confidence and an autonomous approach to their work
• A willingness to learn and contribute to the success of a team

More about the role:

• Salary: £25,000- £45,000 PA (depending upon experience) + commission.
• Location: All our roles are hybrid (a mix of remote and in office). Our offices are located on the Botley Road in Oxford, with shops/restaurants within walking distance and easy access into Oxford City Centre.
• Job Type: Full time (37.5 hours a week).

Top perks:

As part of the team at OG, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible/home/remote working – Flexible working and 2 days remote working a week (after induction/on-boarding)
• Holidays – Increment of holiday from 24 days up to 28 days per annum plus bank holidays
• One day of paid Birthday leave (on successful completion of probation)
• Gym membership – Monthly membership to Brookes Sports Facilities
• Travel Schemes - Save on the purchase of a new bike or electric car, Public Transport Loan Scheme
• Healthcare – 10 days full pay sick leave (additional 5 discretionary), reimbursement of eye tests, free flu jabs
• Enhanced company maternity & paternity pay (eligibility based on length of service)
• Wellness Programme – Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Time to Talk sessions, wellness projects and other initiatives
• Plus: Frequent social activities, free parking, free office food & drink, external training

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve company objectives and sales quotas.
• Identify, prospect, and qualify new business leads through various channels, including networking, cold outreach, and market research.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers at prospective and existing client organizations.
• Understand client needs and pain points, and articulate how our client's solutions can address them effectively.
• Conduct persuasive sales presentations and product demonstrations.
• Negotiate and close complex deals, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal teams (sales, marketing, product, technical support) to ensure successful client onboarding and satisfaction.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and refine sales strategies.
• Achieve and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
• Provide regular sales forecasts and reports to senior management.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in B2B sales and business development, preferably within the technology sector.
• Demonstrated success in exceeding sales quotas and driving revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of sales methodologies and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to client challenges.
• Self-motivated with a strong drive to succeed in a competitive environment.
• Experience working in a hybrid or flexible work environment.
• Familiarity with the Oxford innovation ecosystem is an advantage.

• Develop and implement strategic plans to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads through proactive prospecting and networking.
• Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with potential clients at all levels, including C-suite executives.
• Conduct in-depth needs assessments to understand client challenges and tailor solutions accordingly.
• Deliver compelling presentations and product demonstrations to prospective clients.
• Negotiate contract terms and close deals, ensuring profitability and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to develop effective sales collateral and campaigns.
• Track sales activities, manage pipelines, and report on key performance metrics.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitive landscape, and industry developments.
• Contribute to the overall sales strategy and company growth objectives.

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in business development, sales, or a related role, preferably within the (Specify Sector) industry or a B2B SaaS environment.
• Demonstrated track record of exceeding sales targets and driving significant revenue growth.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong understanding of sales methodologies and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Ability to build and manage relationships with high-level stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a team environment in our **Oxford** office.
• A proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented approach.

• Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities within enterprise accounts.
• Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Conduct thorough market research and identify target accounts for outreach.
• Qualify leads and manage the sales pipeline effectively through CRM.
• Develop and deliver persuasive sales presentations and product demonstrations.
• Negotiate complex contracts and close high-value deals.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop targeted lead generation campaigns.
• Achieve and exceed ambitious sales targets and revenue goals.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies.
• Provide market feedback to product and marketing teams to inform strategy.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in business development, enterprise sales, or a senior sales role, preferably in technology or software.
• Proven track record of consistently exceeding sales quotas and revenue targets.
• Exceptional consultative selling, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Deep understanding of B2B sales cycles and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Ability to build rapport and trust with senior executives.
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and able to work autonomously in a remote environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within target markets.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with prospective and existing clients.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments and present tailored solutions.
• Prepare and deliver compelling sales presentations and proposals.
• Negotiate contract terms and close new business deals.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure client satisfaction and project success.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor activities.
• Achieve and exceed annual sales targets.

• BSc in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in business development or enterprise sales.
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales quotas.
• Strong understanding of technology solutions and the B2B sales cycle.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.