Business Development Director - UK Defense
About this role
About us
At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. By embracing an innovative culture of excellence, we pride ourselves on designing, manufacturing and servicing some of the world’s most transformative products. From life-saving medical technology and mission-critical defense solutions to sophisticated industrial automation, we’re proud to partner with our customers to bring their complex ideas to market.
VisitPlexus.comto learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision.
Living Our Values
With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. Our values unite and guide us in everything that we do.
Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success.
As part of our team, you’ll do impactful work within an inclusive environment where everyone works together to achieve extraordinary outcomes. You’ll be empowered to reach your full potential through managing your own personalised development plan and access to our learning and development programs.
Location:UK - Remote
The Opportunity
As global defence supply chains demand unprecedented resilience, technological sophistication, and security, Plexus stands out as a stable, growing, and deeply trusted partner. We are expanding our footprint, winning record-breaking global programs, and looking for a high-caliber sales leader to spearhead our next phase of growth in the UK Defence sector.
As the Business Development Director for UK Defence, you will hold the keys to a high-growth, highly strategic portfolio. This is not a passive account management role; it is a high-visibility "hunter" position designed for a sophisticated sales executive who can navigate complex MoD supply chains, Tier 1 primes, and aerospace networks.
You will execute our UK Defence growth strategy, translating complex, high-stakes customer requirements into innovative, deliverable engineering and manufacturing solutions. Reporting directly to executive leadership, you will have the full backing of Plexus’ global engineering powerhouse to win major, multi-million-pound programs.
Key Responsibilities
Drive the Win:Own the entire end-to-end sales cycle for the UK Defence sector. Identify, qualify, and capture high-value, profitable opportunities from initial market engagement through to contract signature.
Leverage the Value Chain:Partner with internal cross-functional engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to translate intricate customer requirements into compelling, innovative proposals utilizing Plexus’ full Product Realization Value Chain.
Deploy Strategic Networks:Build, nurture, and leverage deep, multi-level relationships across the UK MoD, Tier 1 Defence Primes, and key industry stakeholders to position Plexus as the partner of choice.
Shape Market Strategy:Maintain a sophisticated understanding of the UK Defence landscape, funding cycles, and regulatory shifts to proactively identify market risks, map competitive dynamics, and pivot our capture strategies accordingly.
Internal Advocacy:Act as the voice of the UK Defence customer internally, collaborating with account leaders to champion the capabilities and infrastructure required to meet evolving defense demands.
Who You Are (Qualifications)
Defence Industry Authority:You possess a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) alongside a proven, progressive track record of business development or sales leadership specifically within the UK Defence sector.
A Proven Deal-Maker:You bring a well-established, active professional network within UK Defence and a demonstrable history of securing significant, multi-million-pound revenue streams.
Strategic Challenger:You are an expert in complex, long-cycle enterprise selling methodologies (e.g., Miller Heiman, Shipley, or Challenger Sales) and know how to sell value over price.
Executive Presence:You possess exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with an innate ability to build immediate credibility with C-suite executives and military/government stakeholders.
Analytical & Autonomous:You can independently navigate complex organizational landscapes with minimal oversight, translating market intelligence into actionable commercial strategies.
Security Clearance Requirement
Due to the critical and sensitive nature of our work within the UK Defence sector, this position is subject to strict security restrictions.
National Security Vetting:This role requires validSecurity Clearance (SC). Holding an active SC clearance is highly advantageous; however, candidates willing and eligible to undergo, achieve, and maintain SC clearance prior to commencing employment will be fully considered.
Eligibility:To meet the baseline criteria for UK SC clearance, you must generally have been a continuous resident in the UK for the last 5 years.
What We Offer
Plexus offers a dynamic, high-reward environment where top-performing professionals can make a direct, visible impact on global defence readiness. We provide a highly competitive executive compensation package, including an attractive performance-driven incentive structure, comprehensive benefits, and a clear pathway for executive career progression within a globally recognized brand.
Your Rewards and Wellbeing
We believe in rewarding your contribution with a comprehensive package designed to support your life both inside and outside of work.
- Growth: Bespoke development plans and volunteer time off
- Health: Private medical insurance, Employee Assistance Program and vision care
- Wealth: Enhanced pension contributions, life assurance, and group income protection
- Lifestyle: Electric Vehicle and Cycle to Work schemes, plus 33 days of annual leave
Application Process
At Plexus, we don't look for culture fit, we look for culture add. We value the unique perspectives you bring and review every candidate holistically, balancing professional experience, education and individual journey.
Accessibility and Accommodations
As a Disability Confident employer, we recruit purely on the basis of skills and merit, ensuring an equitable process for everyone. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you require support during the application process, please contact us at with your contact information and a description of your needs.
Note: This inbox is dedicated to accommodation requests; please note that application status updates cannot be provided via this address.
Originally posted on Himalayas
