Business Development Manager

GKN Aerospace

Business Development Manager driving growth in the defence and aerospace sectors at GKN Aerospace. Focusing on B2B engagement and UK government business capture while building strategic relationships.

Posted 5/27/2026full-timeLuton • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities.
Develop and execute strategic business development plans.
Monitor defence budgets, procurement pipelines, and MOD priorities.
Lead capture activities for strategic opportunities.
Work closely with bid teams to support proposal development.
Conduct competitor analysis and positioning strategies.
Maintain robust CRM pipeline management and reporting.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with: UK MOD stakeholders Prime contractors Industry partners and subcontractors.
Represent the company at industry events, defence exhibitions (e.g. DSEI), and networking forums.
Manage key accounts and develop long-term customer engagement strategies.
Identify and establish partnerships, joint ventures, and teaming agreements.
Negotiate collaboration agreements.
Enhance company visibility and positioning.
Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies.
Provide insights into customer needs, procurement trends, and policy changes.
Ensure all activities align with UK MOD procurement regulations and ethical standards.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven experience (typically 5–10+ years) in business development, sales, or capture management within: Defence Aerospace Government sectors.
Demonstrated success in winning UK MOD or government contracts.
Strong understanding of MOD procurement processes, including frameworks and competitive tendering.
Experience working with or alongside major defence primes and supply chains.
Track record of leading or contributing to successful bids and capture campaigns.
Experience within specific capability areas such as: Aerospace systems and platforms Defence digital / cyber ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) Engineering services or logistics support.
Experience in international defence markets (NATO, allied nations).
Familiarity with frameworks such as ITAR, MTCR, UK MOD Procurement and Single Source Regulations.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary and remuneration package dependent on experience.
22.5% company bonus based on personal and business performance.
£5,500 annual car allowance.
Industry Leading Pension Scheme = 1.5x employee contributions (max 12%).
Life Assurance 8 x salary.
25 days holiday + bank holidays.
Flexible working hours.
Income protection.
Shopping discounts.
Cycle To Work Scheme.
Employee Assistance Programme.
Virtual GP Clinic for you and immediate family.
A collaborative, dynamic working environment.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

business developmentsalescapture managementcompetitor analysisCRM pipeline managementproposal developmentnegotiationmarket trend analysisprocurement processescontract management

Soft Skills

relationship buildingstrategic planningcommunicationleadershipcustomer engagementcollaborationinsight generationproblem-solvingteamworkadaptability