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Senior Director, Military & Government Business Development, EMEA (Open to other locations across Europe)

We are pleased to be supporting a key leadership hire for a global technology organisation operating across the defence, security, and government sectors.

With an established portfolio spanning Maritime, Land, and Aviation solutions, and a strong track record of delivering advanced technology to Military, Security, and Public Sector customers, our client is seeking an experienced Senior Director to drive strategic growth across the EMEA region.

This position will play a critical role in defining, shaping, and executing the organisation’s Military & Government business strategy, securing new contracts, expanding regional presence, and supporting the development of bespoke solutions for complex government programmes.

The focus of this role will be to build a strong opportunity pipeline, engage deeply with defence and government stakeholders, influence customer requirements, and support proposal development across high-value, multi-year programmes.

Key Responsibilities for the Senior Director, Military & Government Business Development, EMEA:

• Identify and pursue new opportunities across the Land, Maritime, and Aviation segments throughout the EMEA region.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline to support short-term wins and long-term strategic growth.
• Present the full technology portfolio and roadmap to senior military, government, and industry stakeholders.
• Provide strategic input to product development based on customer needs, RFIs, and upcoming public tenders.

• Define and execute the Military & Government strategy for the region, setting measurable short- and long-term objectives.
• Track procurement pipelines, including MoD, NATO, and regional defence and security agencies.
• Identify emerging requirements related to national security, technology, and cyber-resilience.

• Navigate formal procurement processes, including RFPs, RFIs, and ITTs.
• Represent the organisation at defence exhibitions, industry conferences, and government networking events.

• Lead and coordinate the development of compliant, high-quality proposals for government programmes.

• Develop and maintain partnerships to expand market presence and increase regional penetration.
• Leverage existing framework agreements and support inclusion in key procurement catalogues and supplier listings.

Key Experience Needed for the Senior Director, Military & Government Business Development, EMEA:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (required).
• Significant experience in sales or business development within the defence, security, or government technology sector (required).
• Demonstrable experience providing solutions across the Air, Land and Sea domains (Defence/Government)
• Military background or experience working with defence organisations (highly advantageous).
• Proven experience in gathering and analysing market and customer data to inform strategic decisions.
• Deep understanding of regulatory, legal, and compliance requirements for defence and government proposals.
• Strong technical acumen, capable of discussing product features, specifications, and roadmaps at both technical and executive levels.

Holt Executive is pleased to be supporting a critical Business Development Director hire for a global leader in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) sector. With over 1,000 employees and manufacturing facilities across the USA, Canada, China, Vietnam, and Mexico, our client delivers an innovative portfolio of EMS, Rapid Prototyping (ARP), NPI, and supply chain solutions.

We are seeking an entrepreneurial sales professional to drive growth and expand the company’s presence across the United Kingdom.

This role will focus on acquiring new logos (OEM’s) customers and deepening relationships with existing accounts, covering EMS, printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), and electro-mechanical products.

Key Responsibilities for the Business Development Director, EMS (UK):

• Identify and develop new customer opportunities across the UK in key OEM markets such as industrial, medical, IoT, energy, and communications.
• Map regional EMS market potential, focusing on medium-to-large OEMs with outsourcing needs.
• Lead customers through the full sales process, ensuring engagement and satisfaction.
• Build long-term relationships with decision-makers in supply chain, engineering, and executive leadership.
• Develop and deliver proposals, quotations, and presentations showcasing technical capabilities and value.
• Manage or collaborate with regional sales representatives to extend market coverage.
• Coordinate new program development, including quoting, NPI, and qualification activities.
• Maintain regular contact with customer teams to understand needs, resolve issues, and identify opportunities.
• Analyze territory potential, pipeline performance, and profitability.
• Prepare forecasts, budgets, and performance reports.
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, and networking functions.

Key experience needed for the Business Development Director, EMS (UK):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 5–10 years’ experience in business development or sales in EMS or OEM electronics.
• Strong understanding of electronics manufacturing processes and outsourcing models.
• Proven track record of identifying, developing, and closing complex B2B solutions.
• Entrepreneurial and self-directed, capable of building a regional footprint.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to influence executives.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and sales tools.
• Willingness to travel across the UK and occasionally internationally.

Business Development Manager – Ottawa, Canada

Holt Executive is delighted to partner with a global leader in connectivity/communications and solutions to support the appointment of a Business Development Manager focused on driving growth within the Canadian Government and Defence markets.

This critical position will lead the identification, capture, and development of business opportunities with the Canadian Armed Forces and other key government stakeholders — playing a pivotal role in expanding our partner’s footprint across the Canadian Defence and Government communications landscape.
 
Key Responsibilities – Business Development Manager – Ottawa, Canada:

• Build and maintain influential relationships with key military personnel, agencies, and government stakeholders across Canada.
• Identify and shape customer requirements for programs aligned with the company’s portfolio of satellite communication products and secure networking solutions.
• Lead, develop, and execute effective capture strategies for Government and Defence programs within the region.
• Develop and maintain best-practice capture and bid management processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Stay informed on Defence funding, policy changes, and market trends to inform business development strategy.
• Support key stakeholders, including end-users and acquisition authorities, to ensure successful program delivery.
• Prepare and manage responses to RFI, RFP, and RFQ processes.
• Provide regular business reports to management, ensuring compliance with Canadian and regional governance regulations.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and teaming arrangements with industry primes, subcontractors, and market representatives.
• Support the Regional Director in maintaining relationships with government, political, and Defence stakeholders.

 
Key Experience & Qualifications – Business Development Manager – Ottawa, Canada:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong technical sales background, with the ability to understand satellite, IP, and carrier network technologies.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and Type 1 encryption technologies.
• Understanding of Government and Military markets across Land, Sea, and Air domains.
• Prior experience within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is highly desirable — experience with CANSOFCOM or Capability Requirements (ADM(IM)/DGIM/Services) is an asset.
• Proven business development or sales experience within the Defence or Government communications sectors.
• Experience working with or selling to large military contractors or system integrators.
• Proven experience managing bid and proposal processes and supporting project delivery.

If your skills and experience match this Business Development Manager – Ottawa, Canada opportunity, we encourage you to apply now!