Business Development Director in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Andy File Associates Limited are acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our clients with regards this permanent vacancy.

Business Development Director Defence/Gov 

MOD, Defence, Government & Infrastructure 

Salary: £60,000 - £100,000, dependent on experience.

Location: Flexible / UK-based

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an exceptional, commercially driven Business Development Director with extensive experience and established senior-level relationships across the MOD, Defence and Government sectors, particularly within Telecommunications, Network Infrastructure and Electrical Services.

We are looking for a high-calibre individual who understands the Defence supply chain, has established relationships with both prime contractors and Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers, and possesses detailed knowledge of government procurement frameworks and routes to market.

This is a pivotal appointment for our client and represents a significant step in the company's next phase of growth. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and delivering our long-term growth strategy, identifying new markets, establishing strategic partnerships and securing significant new business opportunities. We are not looking for someone who simply manages relationships or generates introductions. We need a commercially focused individual with the credibility, contacts and proven ability to open doors, develop opportunities, and convert them into profitable contracts.

Three Essential Requirements

1. An Established MOD, Defence & Government Network

The successful candidate must bring a genuine, established network of senior-level contacts across the MOD, Government and Defence supply chain.

We need someone capable of opening doors and creating meaningful opportunities from the outset, rather than spending the first 12 months establishing relationships.

Experience working with prime contractors, major infrastructure providers and strategic delivery partners will be particularly valuable.

2. A Proven Track Record of Winning Profitable Business

We are looking for demonstrable success in securing substantial contracts, ideally ranging from £1m to £10m+.

The individual must be commercially astute, understand project profitability and demonstrate an ability to convert opportunities into sustainable, profitable revenue.

This is a business-winning role, not simply a relationship management position.

3. Full Commercial Ownership

The successful candidate must be comfortable taking responsibility for the complete business development lifecycle, including:

• Identifying and qualifying new opportunities.
• Developing relationships with key decision-makers.
• Establishing strategic partnerships and routes to market.
• Leading bids, tenders and commercial negotiations.
• Working with operational teams to develop commercially viable solutions.
• Securing contract awards and supporting successful mobilisation.
• Delivering agreed sales and profitability targets.

Experience & Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant senior-level Business Development or Sales Director experience within MOD, Defence, Government or Telecommunications.
• Strong existing relationships with Defence prime contractors, Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers and major infrastructure providers.
• Proven experience securing contracts valued between £1m and £10m+.
• Detailed understanding of public sector procurement, government frameworks and tendering processes.
• Experience developing business across Telecommunications, Network Infrastructure and Electrical Services.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and an understanding of contract profitability.
• Experience establishing and developing long-term strategic accounts and partnerships.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and develop new markets.
• The confidence and experience to operate at board and senior leadership level.
• A self-motivated, results-driven approach, suited to working within an ambitious and growing SME.

Strategic Importance

This is not a traditional sales position. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team to help shape our clients future direction.

They will have a genuine opportunity to influence the company's growth strategy, expand our presence across Defence and Government markets, and play a central role in building a significantly larger business.

We are seeking someone who wants to be part of that journey and is motivated by both the commercial challenge and the opportunity to make a measurable impact.

Location & Working Arrangements

Location: Flexible / UK-based

There is no fixed office location requirement.

The successful candidate will be expected to attend our client’s Head Office in Sheffield as required for management meetings, strategic planning and business activities, but there is no expectation of weekly attendance.

The role will involve travel to customers, partners, and industry events as necessary.

Remuneration & Benefits

We recognise that attracting an individual of this calibre requires a competitive and flexible package.

As such, salary and commission arrangements are open to negotiation, depending on the candidate's experience, track record and ability to deliver.

Our preference is for a package comprising a competitive base salary alongside a performance-related commission structure linked to agreed sales and profitability targets.

The overall package will include:

• Base Salary: £60,000 - £100,000, dependent on experience.
• Commission / Performance Bonus: Negotiable, linked to agreed margins and commercial performance targets.
• Car Allowance: Provided.
• Business Mileage & Expenses: Covered.
• Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.
• Healthcare: Westfield Health options.
• Pension: Company pension scheme.

The Individual We Want

Ultimately, we are looking for an established and credible senior business development professional who understands the Defence market, knows the key players and has a demonstrable history of winning substantial contracts.

Someone who can operate strategically but is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves, developing opportunities and closing deals.

We want a Business Development Director who will help shape the strategy, take ownership of delivering it and make a significant contribution to our clients future growth.