Director of Business Development

Job Title: Director / VP Business Development – Defence

Location: Germany (Remote)

About the Client:

• We are supporting a leading global defence manufacturer as it expands its presence in the European market. We are seeking an experienced Business Development leader with an established network across the German and wider European defence ecosystem to drive market entry, secure new business opportunities and establish a long-term commercial presence.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development activities across Germany, with a wider focus on strategic opportunities throughout Europe.
• Establish and grow the organisation's presence within the German defence market, initially operating as the primary commercial representative in the region.
• Develop and execute a market entry and business development strategy, with a particular focus on munitions, missile systems and related defence capabilities.
• Leverage an established network across the Bundeswehr, BAAINBw, German Ministry of Defence and European defence industry to identify and secure new business opportunities.
• Build strategic relationships with government stakeholders, military decision-makers, defence procurement organisations and industrial partners.
• Identify, qualify and pursue defence programmes, procurement opportunities and potential industrial partnerships.
• Lead customer engagement, commercial negotiations and capture activities, supporting opportunities through to contract award.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with European defence primes, OEMs and industrial partners.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic guidance to senior leadership regarding German and European defence procurement priorities, competitive positioning and future programmes.
• Represent the organisation at key defence industry exhibitions, conferences and customer engagements.
• Support the development and expansion of the local commercial team as the business establishes its position in the market.

Skills and Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Business Development, Sales or Commercial Leadership within the defence industry.
• Strong understanding of the German defence market, with an established network across military, government, procurement and industrial stakeholders.
• Experience within munitions, missile systems, air defence or related land-based defence capabilities is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of identifying, developing and securing defence contracts and strategic business opportunities.
• Strong understanding of German and European defence procurement processes, programme structures and customer requirements.
• Experience developing new markets, establishing commercial operations or expanding an international defence manufacturer's regional presence.
• Ability to operate independently and take ownership of business development activities in a developing market.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and ability to engage credibly with senior military, government and industry stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to combine hands-on business development with longer-term commercial planning and team development.
• Fluent German and English communication skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly across Germany and wider Europe