Business Development Manager (Defence&Aerospace) - Bristol or Swindon

Business Development Manager (Defence & Aerospace) (224jc) – Bristol or Swindon - Circa £80,000 + Excellent Benefits Package

A superb opportunity for an RAF officer looking to shape the future of Defence capability in the Drone sector and you will ideally be based closer to Bristol.

DUE TO THE NATURE OF THIS RECRUITMENT CONSULTANCY, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EX MILITARY.

Are you a former RAF Squadron Leader, senior Flight Lieutenant or Wing Commander with strong operational credibility and an extensive MOD network?

Have you spent time within capability development, programmes, requirements, innovation, procurement or headquarters appointments and are now looking to influence Defence from industry?

If so, this could be exactly the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Our client is a rapidly expanding defence technology business delivering advanced airborne capabilities to military and government customers around the world. They are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to become the recognised Air Domain lead across the UK, Middle East and Africa.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional sales role.

You will become the trusted face of the business across the RAF and wider Defence community, building long-term relationships with senior military officers, Front Line Commands, procurement organisations and government agencies.

You'll help shape future capability requirements, influence procurement programmes and work alongside engineering teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers operating in demanding environments.

You'll also represent the business internationally, supporting expansion into Middle Eastern and African defence markets together with governments responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure.

The Role

You'll be responsible for:

- Developing strategic relationships across the RAF and UK MOD

- Identifying future opportunities before formal procurement begins

- Leading customer engagement from initial concept through to contract award

- Working closely with engineering and technical teams to translate operational requirements into practical solutions

- Supporting bids, demonstrations and customer trials

- Representing the company at UK and international defence exhibitions and trade events

- Helping shape future business strategy across the UK, Middle East and Africa

The role will involve regular travel throughout the UK, particularly to RAF Stations, High Wycombe, MOD establishments and Defence industry events, together with occasional international travel across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Who We're Looking For

This role has been designed with former RAF officers in mind.

You'll probably have experience in areas such as:

- Squadron Command

- Capability Development

- Air Command

- Defence Procurement

- Programme Delivery

- Operational Planning

- ISR

- ISTAR

- Air Mobility

- UAS / Autonomous Systems

- Electronic Warfare

- Defence Innovation

- Headquarters Staff Appointments

You'll be comfortable engaging with senior officers, government officials and industry leaders and possess the credibility to open doors that others cannot.

Commercial business development experience is desirable but certainly not essential. We're much more interested in your ability to build trusted relationships, understand Defence procurement and recognise future opportunities. You will also need to hold or be able to hold UK SC clearance as a minimum.

Ideal Background

We're particularly interested in speaking with former:

- RAF Squadron Leaders

- Senior Flight Lieutenants

- Wing Commanders

- Air Capability Officers

- ISTAR specialists

- Intelligence Officers

- Engineering Officers

- Battlespace Management Officers

- Programme Managers

- Defence Equipment & Support personnel

- Officers who have worked within Air Command or Strategic Command

What's on Offer?

- Circa £80,000 salary, with excellent benefits package

- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays

- Company bonus

- Pension matched up to 10%

- Private medical and dental cover, which can cover your family

- Career progression within a rapidly growing defence technology business

- Opportunity to influence future Defence capability

- International travel

- Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace and defence technology

- Flexible, autonomous role with genuine strategic influence

Why Veterans Excel in This Role

This position is ideally suited to someone who understands how Defence really works.

Your ability to build relationships, navigate complex stakeholder environments, understand military capability requirements and communicate confidently with senior leaders will be invaluable.

If you've spent your RAF career bringing people together to deliver operational capability, you'll already possess many of the skills needed to succeed.

Interested?

If you're ready to move from delivering capability within the RAF to helping shape the next generation of capability for the RAF and allied nations, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Jean-Claude Hedouin at Ex-Mil Recruitment Ltd on (phone number removed)