BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

About ISS Aerospace 

ISS Aerospace designs and manufactures uncrewed systems for defence and national security. From our base in Chieveley, Berkshire, we build the aerial and land platforms, launchers and payloads that give operators a decisive edge, and we do it as a proud British manufacturer. Quality and safety are central to everything we deliver, and we are looking for the person who will own and strengthen both. 

The role

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to identify, pursue and win new business across our aerial and land systems portfolio. This is a hands-on, front-line role covering the full sales cycle — from prospecting and qualifying leads through to closing deals and handing over won work to delivery. You’ll work closely with the Head of Marketing and leadership to shape propositions, respond to opportunities, and represent ISS Aerospace in front of customers and partners.

What you will do

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities across UK and international defence, government and commercial markets.
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospects through HubSpot, tracking opportunities from first contact through to close.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key customers, primes, integrators and channel partners.
• Lead on proposals, tenders and bids, working with engineering and leadership to shape technically credible, commercially competitive responses.
• Represent ISS Aerospace at trade shows, trials, demonstrations and industry events in the UK and overseas.
• Gather and feed back market intelligence — customer requirements, competitor activity and emerging opportunities — to shape product and go-to-market strategy.
• Negotiate commercial terms and close deals in line with company margin and risk requirements.
• Report pipeline, forecast and win/loss performance to leadership.

What you will bring

• Proven experience in a business development, sales or account management role, ideally in defence, aerospace or another regulated technical sector.
• A track record of building pipeline and closing deals with government, defence or enterprise customers.
• Comfort engaging with technical products and translating engineering capability into customer value.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and bid writing.
• Confidence representing the company independently with senior customers and at industry events.
• Eligibility for UK Security Check (SC) clearance.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, including occasional overseas travel.

Nice to have

• Existing network within UK or allied defence, government or UAS/robotics markets.
• Experience selling into MOD, NATO or allied procurement frameworks.
• Familiarity with UAS, counter-UAS, or broader defence-technology products.
• Experience using a CRM (HubSpot or similar) to manage pipeline and forecasting.
• A degree in a business, engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in an SME, comfortable wearing multiple hats and working close to the product.

Eligibility and clearance

• You must have the right to work in the UK.
• This role requires eligibility for UK Security Check (SC) clearance, which generally requires several years of continuous UK residency. Existing clearance is an advantage.
• Some customer engagements may carry additional nationality or clearance requirements.

What we offer

• The chance to shape the commercial growth of a fast-moving British defence-technology manufacturer, with direct visibility to senior leadership.
• Genuine ownership of your pipeline and customer relationships, not a script to follow.
• Exposure to cutting-edge uncrewed systems and the customers who operate them.
• Competitive salary plus commission/bonus, pension and holiday allowance.

Eligibility and clearance 

• You must have the right to work in the UK. 

• This role requires eligibility for UK Security Check (SC) clearance, which generally requires several years of continuous UK residency. Existing clearance is an advantage. 

• Some project work may carry additional nationality or clearance requirements. 

What we offer 

• A rare chance to own both quality and safety assurance for a growing British defence-technology manufacturer, with real authority and visibility to senior leadership. 

• The scope to shape systems and set standards, rather than inherit someone else’s. 

• Investment in your development, including quality and auditor certifications and safety training. 

• Competitive salary, pension and holiday allowance. 

How to apply 

Ready to make an impact? Send your CV and a short covering note to careers@issaerospace.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn. We review every application and will be in touch if there is a good fit.