Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager
Job Reports To: BD Director
Department: Vehicles
Location: Coventry CV6
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon – Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full-time and based onsite with potential hybrid working
Salary: From £70,000 per annum (depending on experience) plus discretionary bonus
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​JOB SUMMARY
​Are you a Business Development Manager looking for a new challenge and the chance to support our mission of protecting lives?
This is a key role within our Vehicle Systems Services and Spares (VSSS) team, which delivers specialist military vehicle integration, engineering support and through life services for defence customers worldwide.
You will lead the growth of our Civilian Armoured Vehicle portfolio and expand our presence across European, North American, Australasian and Middle Eastern markets. Working directly with senior stakeholders, you will identify and secure new opportunities, develop strong customer relationships and ensure our portfolio continues to meet evolving global demand.
This role involves close collaboration with colleagues across engineering, commercial, projects and marketing, as well as representing NP Aerospace at customer meetings, trade shows and international events.
If you are results focused, commercially driven and motivated by meaningful work that contributes to the protection of lives, we would like to hear from you.​
To learn more about us, visit our website and follow us on ​LinkedIn page
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WHAT YOU WILL GET IN RETURN
​At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That’s why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

• Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
  
• Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
  
• Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
  
• Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
  
• Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions
  
• Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
  
• Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
  
• Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
  
• Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
  MAIN DUTIES
  
• Lead business development activity across priority markets, with a primary focus on the Civilian Armoured Vehicle portfolio, and expansion across European, North American, Australasian and Middle Eastern defence markets.
  
• Own and grow the Civilian Armoured Vehicle sales and Through Life Support portfolio, providing regular progress updates to the BD Director.
  
• Identify, shape and secure new business opportunities, working closely with the BD and Bid Team to develop and execute campaign and capture plans.
  
• Build strong and lasting customer relationships across key markets, ensuring current programmes are protected while driving new growth.
  
• Work closely with internal teams across engineering, commercial, finance, projects and marketing to ensure alignment with business objectives and delivery of revenue and profit targets.
  
• Represent NP Aerospace at customer meetings, trade shows and industry events, promoting our capabilities, technology and services.
  
• Maintain accurate CRM data, ensuring pipeline activity, customer engagement and opportunities are effectively tracked.
  
• Monitor market trends, customer priorities and competitor activity to inform strategy and future product or service development.​
  The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required.
  EXPERIENCE
  REQUIRED
  
• Degree or equivalent experience, ideally with a technical or engineering background.
  
• Proven senior business development experience in the defence sector, including Civilian Armoured Vehicle and military vehicle markets.
  
• Strong communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage confidently at senior stakeholder level.
  
• Ability to understand and present technical information relating to vehicle platforms and support services.
  
• Track record of developing and delivering successful business development and sales strategies in the UK and international markets.
  
• Comfortable analysing market trends, customer needs and sales pipeline data to support decision making.
  
• Strong relationship building and account management skills, able to work effectively with multifunctional teams.
  
• Self-driven and results focused, with the ability to work independently and take ownership from concept to completion.
  
• Confident using CRM and standard business software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) to manage pipelines and reporting.
  
• Willingness to travel in the UK and overseas as required.
  DESIRED
  
• Experience in a high-growth business within the Defence/Security sector which includes manufacturing, R&D and Through Life Support (TLS) services.
  
• Previous experience in project management or project engineering.
  
• Service in the military or law enforcement organisation.​
  WHAT DO WE DO AT NP AEROSPACE?​
  NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.​
  Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.​
  Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
  Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.
  Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.
  Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
  Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace