The Organisation

Our client is a specialist organisation operating in the defence sector and entering an important phase of commercial growth. It now requires an experienced Interim VP New Business Development & Client Partner to accelerate new business activity, progress existing opportunities and provide senior ownership of a strategically important defence client relationship.

Role & Responsibilities

This senior, hands-on assignment is weighted approximately 60% New Business Development / 40% Client Partner, with winning new business the primary objective. The assignment is expected to last up to 12 months.

• Progress and convert a defined pipeline of new business opportunities across defence and national security.
• Develop senior relationships with major UK defence contractors, strategic partners and other priority organisations.
• Lead customer engagement, opportunity qualification, proposition development, negotiation and commercial close.
• Use an established defence network to open doors and accelerate access to priority customers.
• Work with existing senior business development resource to prioritise opportunities and increase conversion pace.
• Act as Client Partner for a strategically important UK government defence customer, providing senior relationship ownership and coordinated commercial focus.
• Strengthen pipeline discipline, forecasting, proposition development and wider commercial execution.

The Desired Candidate

A senior Business Development, Commercial or Client Partner leader with substantial credibility in the UK defence sector. The successful candidate should have:

• Senior business development or commercial leadership experience within defence or national security.
• A demonstrable track record of selling into the MOD and/or major UK defence contractors.
• Strong relationships and an established network across the defence ecosystem.
• Evidence of shaping, progressing and winning complex, high-value opportunities.
• Experience selling professional services, consultancy or other complex B2B services.
• Strategic client relationship ownership, strong EQ and executive-level influencing and negotiation skills.
• A hands-on, commercially driven style and the ability to establish credibility and make an immediate impact.
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain the appropriate UK security clearance; current or recent clearance would be advantageous.

How to Apply

Please apply through the Russam portal or contact Gary Lawton (gary.lawton@russam.co.uk) for a confidential discussion.