International Business Development Manager (Defence)

International Business Development Manager (Defence)

Location: All UK locations considered with extensive international travel

Salary: Circa £75,000 + depending on experience

Closing Date: 22nd July 2026

About BAE Systems

Join BAE Systems and you'll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you'll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You'll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there's no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

About the Role

The International Business Development Manager will play a key role in driving growth across global defence markets by identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities within the Navigation Sensor Solutions (NSS) portfolio. Working closely with international customers, partners, and internal stakeholders, the role will shape market strategies, build enduring relationships, and support successful capture activities, while developing deep expertise in military GNSS/GPS and the NSS offering in collaboration with US-based teams.

Core Duties

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

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience / established networks within the defence and security sector, including knowledge of international defence markets
• Proven experience 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 at senior and executive level
• 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

The International Business Development Team

The NSS International Business Development team works across global markets to identify, shape, and secure international opportunities for the NSS business. The team partners closely with customers, industry, and internal business areas to drive international growth across the NSS portfolio. In this role, you will also develop in-depth knowledge of the NSS portfolio in partnership with the US-based headquarters and team.

This role sits within the International Business Development team and reports to the International Business Development Director. While the role is contracted to Rochester, Kent, candidates may be based anywhere in the UK. The position operates in a hybrid working model and involves extensive global travel.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you'll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You'll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what's most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive

We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Security and Eligibility

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. 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.

---

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.