International Business Development Manager (Defence)

About the Role:

As an International Business Development Manager at BAE Systems, you will be instrumental in expanding our presence within global defence markets. This role focuses on the Navigation Sensor Solutions (NSS) portfolio, requiring you to identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities. You will collaborate closely with international customers, partners, and internal teams to shape market strategies, cultivate robust relationships, and support successful capture efforts. A key aspect of this position involves developing in-depth expertise in military GNSS/GPS and the NSS offering, working in conjunction with our US-based teams.

Core Duties:

• Serve as an international specialist in the military GNSS/GPS domain for the US-based NSS business area.
• Identify, shape, and progress new business opportunities within the Navigation Sensor Solutions (NSS) market in designated international countries.
• Build and sustain long-term relationships with international government and defence customers, end users, and industry partners.
• Gain a detailed understanding of customer needs and priorities, translating these into clear business strategies and capture activities.
• Lead country-level market analysis, covering budgets, acquisition processes, geopolitical context, and the competitive landscape.
• Create and maintain country strategies that align with sector and business area growth objectives.
• Support international capture campaigns by contributing to win strategies, competitive positioning, and bid readiness.
• Coordinate international business development activities with internal stakeholders across various countries and business areas.
• Contribute to marketing and communications efforts to enhance customer engagement and market presence.
• Act as deputy for the International Business Development Director for Europe when required.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrable experience and established networks within the defence and security sector, including a strong understanding of international defence markets.
• Proven experience in developing and managing relationships with international Military, Government, and business customers.
• Knowledge of international defence contracting, acquisition processes, and customer buying behaviours.
• Comfortable working autonomously and engaging effectively at senior and executive levels.
• An understanding of the Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) domain and of secure anti-jam GPS products and their application across military solutions would be highly advantageous.

About the Team:

The NSS International Business Development team is dedicated to identifying, shaping, and securing international opportunities for the NSS business across global markets. We partner closely with customers, industry, and internal business areas to drive international growth for the NSS portfolio. In this role, you will also gain in-depth knowledge of the NSS portfolio in partnership with our US-based headquarters and team.

Location and Working Arrangements:

While the role is contracted to Rochester, Kent, candidates may be based anywhere in the UK. This position operates under a hybrid working model and involves extensive global travel. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Security Clearance:

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting, where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK, depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.