Senior Business Development Manager – Aerospace & Defence

Permanent | UK-based | Fully remote | 30-37.5 hours per week | Regular UK and European travel

About Westworld

Westworld Consulting is a small, established UK business development and representation firm specialising in the aerospace and defence sector.

We represent a portfolio of specialist engineering and manufacturing companies, predominantly based overseas and largely in the US, and develop their business with aerospace and defence customers across the UK and Europe.

We act as an extension of our principals’ commercial teams, supporting opportunities from initial identification through to contract award.

We are adding a Senior Business Development Manager to our European team.

The role

This is a senior, hands-on business development role with equal responsibility for managing and developing an existing portfolio of clients (our principals) and generating new opportunities on their behalf.

• Manage and develop relationships with an existing portfolio of specialist engineering and manufacturing principals.
• Identify and develop new aerospace and defence opportunities across the UK and European markets.
• Match principal capabilities with relevant customers, programmes, applications and requirements.
• Build relationships with senior contacts across engineering, procurement, programme management and commercial functions.
• Support opportunities from initial introduction and qualification through RFQ, proposal and contract award.
• Represent Westworld and its principals at customer meetings, exhibitions and industry events in the UK and Europe.
• Work independently while keeping principals and Westworld colleagues well informed on opportunities, priorities and progress.

Regular travel is an important part of the role, so candidates should be UK-based and within easy reach of a major airport.

About you

We are looking for someone who understands how aerospace and defence organisations buy, how their supply chains work and how to develop business credibly within the sector.

• Significant experience within aerospace and/or defence.
• A technical, engineering, programme or procurement background combined with proven B2B business development experience.
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defence supply chains and procurement processes.
• Credibility with senior engineering, commercial, programme and procurement people.
• Experience identifying opportunities, developing relationships and progressing complex B2B sales.
• Ability to work independently and manage a portfolio of clients and opportunities.
• Ex-forces candidates with relevant procurement or capability experience are also welcome.

The role particularly suits an experienced aerospace or defence professional who has moved into business development and wants to combine detailed industry knowledge with a commercially focused role.