Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Salary:  £50k to £65k plus Uncapped Commission

Location:  Portsmouth/Hybrid

Our client is an industry leading is a UK-based company that specialises in providing custom built computer hardware, and IT managed services to Businesses and the Public Sector. This role will focus on the Maritime Sector of Defence

This is a consultative, collaborative and solution-led business development role focused on driving revenue growth. You’ll be supported by the Head of Defence Sales, Business Development colleagues as well as sales support specialists and technical experts, enabling you to focus on high-value sales activity.

Defence sales often involve longer, strategic sales cycles, so your on-target earnings (OTE) will build as your pipeline matures, typically accelerating in year two and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities to convert into sales, building a strong and sustainable pipeline
• Maintain accurate pipeline visibility and forecasts using CRM tools (SFDC and HubSpot)
• Develop high-value relationships with key stakeholders across defence, intelligence, and industry partners
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding customer challenges and delivering tailored, value-led solutions
• Collaborate with internal technical and support teams to shape realistic, customer-centric propositions
• Balance new business acquisition with account growth, expanding into new areas within existing customers
• Stay ahead of defence market trends, procurement routes, and customer priorities

Knowledge and experience:

• We’re looking for someone who combines strong knowledge of the maritime defence sector with commercial drive and excellent relationship-building skills
• You’ll bring experience in business development sales, or a Defence (Maritime) environment, along with an understanding of procurement processes, frameworks, and tendering.
• You’ll have an ability to generate new business through proactive networking and outreach, as well as building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
• With a results-driven mindset, you’ll be confident working towards targets and using your communication, negotiation, and consultative sales skills to turn opportunities into orders.
• This role would suit either a former member of the Armed Forces with maritime experience who has transitioned into a commercial role, or a sales professional with experience working with defence customers. Either way, you’ll be confident navigating the sector and turning insight into opportunity.

• SC clearance is required, ideally you will be SC cleared now but the company will take you through the process if not.