Business Development Manager - Defence & Naval Systems
Location: Field‑based, Canada (reporting to Southern Ontario office)
Sector: Defence / Naval / Mission‑Critical Systems
Employment Type: Full‑time
The Opportunity
We are seeking a senior Business Development Manager with a strong Defence, Naval, or military sales background to help expand our clients' presence across the Canadian and North American Defence sector.
This role is ideal for individuals who have operated within Naval, Navy, or other Defence sales & Business Development environments-either commercially or in uniform-and who now apply that experience to complex, high‑value technology and hardware sales.
You will work closely with Defence system integrators, OEMs, and mission‑critical stakeholders, helping translate operational requirements into bespoke, technology‑led solutions that support modern defence programmes.
What You'll Be Doing
- Develop and execute targeted business development strategies within the Defence and Naval sector
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of opportunities with system integrators, OEMs, and defence suppliers
- Lead complex, long‑cycle sales engagements from initial requirement capture through to contract award
- Translate customer operational challenges into tailored, high‑value technology and hardware solutions
- Work collaboratively with engineering, programme, and commercial teams to deliver compelling proposals
- Manage key accounts, deepen relationships, and identify follow‑on programme opportunities
- Maintain accurate forecasting and pipeline reporting using CRM tools
- Represent the organisation at Defence, Naval, and industry events
- Achieve and exceed revenue and margin targets across assigned territory
Who We're Looking For
Essential Experience
- Sales or business development experience dedicated to the Defence sector
- Direct experience selling into or working with:
- Naval or maritime programmes
- Defence system integrators
- OEMs, ODMs, or contract manufacturers
- A solid working understanding of the Canadian / North American Defence ecosystem
- Proven success selling complex, customised hardware or other technology solutions
- Ability to clearly articulate end‑to‑end sales processes for technically complex programmes
Highly Valued Backgrounds
- Former or transitioned Navy / Naval / Armed Forces personnel now working in Defence industry roles
- Experience with:
- Embedded computing
- Ruggedised electronics
- Mission‑critical or safety‑critical hardware
- Exposure to long procurement cycles and multi‑stakeholder programme environments
This is a great opportunity for a "hunter" style candidate who is interested in building out a book of business and seeing things grow and develop in the long term. Future progression opportunities will be available because the company are on a growth trajectory and investing in and growing their US and Canadian footprints.
With an incentive scheme that is uncapped and potentially very lucrative.
Get in touch now for a conversation and further information.
