Posted 12 August, 2026
Business Development Lead Defence
Saab UK
Fareham, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
IntroductionSaab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.What you will be part ofSaab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe.Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems.Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.The Role:We are seeking an experienced business development professional to drive growth within the defence market, identifying, shaping and securing opportunities across government, military and prime contractor customers. The successful candidate will combine commercial acumen, strategic thinking and customer engagement expertise with the ability to articulate complex technical and engineering solutions aligned to operational requirements.Working closely with engineering, programme, commercial and bid teams, you will lead capture activities from opportunity identification through to contract award, developing winning strategies and fostering long-term customer relationships. You will ensure solutions are competitive, compliant and mission-focused, contributing directly to business growth and the delivery of critical defence capabilities. This role is based in Fareham, with hybrid working arrangements available, and will include occasional travel.Key Responsibilities:to develop and maintain relationships with customer, government representatives and authoritiesto analysis and assessment of relevant development and trends with respect to BA/BU Product Portfolioto create capture strategy and determine market price in cooperation with the Customer Sales Responsibleto perform Business Intelligence i.e. competitors product offeringsto lead and coordinate the Product Sales Core Team and related activities - Wording need revisedto prepare and lead signing and handover activitiesto secure that export control regulations are followed - Further training required.to responsible for the product and customer related data in CRM toolto finalise a competitive customer offer to align with customer expectations and internal requirements.Qualifications and Skills:RequiredWillingness to learn and understand product portfolioCommunication and Presentation SkillsRisk Management capabilityAn ability to understand engineering products and translate them into customer valueExperience of working with a CRM systemStrong negotiation skills.Relationship management - internal and externalStrong understanding of Defence procurementStakeholder and Relationship managementDesiredContractual awarenessExperience within ROV , Subsea offshore energy or Defence MarketProduct knowledge of Seaeye ROV'sExtensive network within the within energy and or defence marketsExperience with working or understanding of work-class ROV systemsBy submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.TPBN1_UKTJ
