Business Development Manager

GC142:  Business Development Manager - Defence Salary: £70,000 - £85,000 + Car + BonusLocation: Remote (Home based with frequent sales travel across UK & Europe visiting customers, suppliers or events)Overview:First Military Executive Recruitment are pleased to be supporting our client, a business known globally as an innovator and outlier in an industry where commoditization is common, is currently looking to appoint a Business Development Manager for their Defence market. Our client continues to develop cutting-edge solutions in response to the digital tidal wave, which demands ever-increasing infrastructure capability.Due to our client’s growth ambition and market opportunity, a need has arisen for an experienced Business Development Manager to develop their Defence market. The incumbent will be tasked with creating and implementing commercial strategies which deliver against their ambitious planned growth. This role allows the opportunity for the post holder to take full autonomy of the Defence Market, driving success by securing new and developing existing customer accounts. The successful candidate will have a clear track record of successful deal identification, negotiation, agreement and growth with high-profile, and multifaceted businesses, within the UK and beyond. Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop and grow new accounts based on a defined strategy that optimizes our growth for both our current portfolio and potential new product lines.
• Establish and maintain major account relationships by leading the development and maintenance of client-specific sales account strategies.
• Define immediate target accounts and a longer-term development plan. Identify key areas of influence within the defined accounts, identify decision-makers, and ensure they are aware of the benefits and business advantages.
• Lead and drive the follow-up and closing of deals through business development and coordination of requirements, developing and negotiating contracts, and integrating contract requirements with business operations and various organizational functions.
• Regularly interact with executives internally and externally on issues related to business/account management. Interactions may include presenting the business plan, handling controversial situations, conducting customer negotiations, or influencing and persuading executives.
• Continuously analyse the market regarding opportunities and projects relevant to our client.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer key performance indicators.
• Conduct forecasting and business planning.
• Investigate and respond to competitive threats.
• Build a constructive relationship with customer quality and operations teams to ensure you are viewed as a credible and capable partner in presenting our clients solution.
• Network with the wider group to ensure that customer requirements are understood.
• Analyse where strategic partnerships are required to secure international success.
• Contribute to our web presence and work with marketing to ensure all interactions reflect our market brand and drive our client to become the Supplier of Choice.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of proven track record in business development and key account management within the defence sector.
• Extensive sales experience in closing new business and maintaining existing client base.
• Experience in securing new relationships and fostering long term business relationships is essential.
• Experience in Connector markets and Defence / Industrial environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of fibre optic markets and broad idea of products.
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• Very strong communication, collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skills.
• Results-driven, self-confident individual with an ability to influence peers and superiors.
• Strong character with exceptional customer-facing/people skills.
• Consistent drive and energy, with a positive attitude and flexible approach.
• Personable, open and honest with absolute personal integrity.
• Self–directing and able to work under pressure to achieve problem resolutions.
• Committed to operating ethically and sustainably.
• High level of personal resilience.
• Willingness to travel extensively as determined by the global business, customers and potential opportunities.