Business Development Manager

QinetiQ · Ashford, United Kingdom · On site · August 19, 2026

Sign up to apply
Your first one is free
Posted August 19, 2026 · Read from QinetiQ
Why a CV for this job?

94% of employers say their filters drop qualified candidates whose CV does not match the ad's exact criteria (Harvard Business School, 2021).

  • They see what they asked for, first. Your experience that matches the ad leads, in the ad's own words, so someone skimming finds it in seconds.
  • It gets past the software. Many larger employers use software that ranks CVs by how closely they match the ad, often before anyone reads them.
  • In the language of the ad. An ad written in Spanish gets a CV in Spanish, even when yours is in Portuguese.
  • Your facts, nothing invented. Your own experience, reordered and reworded. What the ad wants and your CV does not show is listed for you to add, only if it is true. You check it before you send it.
See an example

Job title: Business Development Manager

Location: Any QinetiQ site – travel to Ashford will be required as will international travel

Company: QinetiQ Target Systems

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 37 hour per week

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Business Development Manager to join QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS) within our Business Development Team. QTS is a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ Group PLC, specialising in the design and manufacture of a range of state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial and Surface Target systems, including the world-leading Banshee target.

QTS targets are used to enable realistic weapons test and evaluation and operator training in over 40 countries worldwide, with QTS providing a complete managed service in over 15 of these countries.

What will I be doing?

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will have responsibility to develop and win new QTS business in identified countries and markets as directed by the QTS Head of Business Development. The role is responsible for developing and delivering a 3 – 5 Year Order Intake Scenario.

Duties will include:

Business Development

Work directly with clients to identify operational challenges and tailor technical solutions at a high level

Identify, qualify, develop and capture QTS business opportunities in identified countries and markets as directed by the QTS Head of BD

Maximise deliverability and profitability of sales within business unit for a major client or group of clients.

Accountable for personal sales progression of the portfolio of QTS opportunities (typically including >£3M deals) into client(s)

Leading and wining major business – changing deals

To demonstrate Selling for Growth in all opportunities and activities

Ability to manage multiple opportunities across various regions and balancing priorities effectively

Support other business delivery units within QTS as directed by the Head of BD

Communication

Generate and deliver high-level presentations to illustrate how a product or capability meets a client’s unique needs

Works collaboratively with wider QinetiQ Group and BD / programme teams to support and manage cross-sales team initiatives

To manage internal and external stakeholders

To influence decisions through sound advice and judgement

Process

Ownership of the business development and bid lifecycle

Analysis of tender documentation and responding to various tender forms

Accurate forecasting and delivery of Sales target

Support development of the QTS and Regional Strategy and input to the ISBP / Sales & Orders process

What do I need?

You will have at least 2 years demonstrated success in defence business development with global experience and excellent knowledge of industry and associated regional politics.

You’ll be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record of being able to influence at senior levels.

We also ask that you:

are familiar with the global market for test and evaluation solutions, and specifically aerial and surface remotely operated targets

have experience in threat representation and weapon system market orientation, an understanding of customer needs, competitor behaviour, and broader industry trends

have an excellent understanding of and ability to apply sales concepts, tools and principles

have good knowledge of other functional disciplines related to selling (E.G commercial / finance / project management)

are highly skilled at managing relationships and conflicting priorities

are politically, culturally and organisationally aware

have the ability to interact – including influencing, negotiating and assisting in closing complex, value-adding engagements – with senior people in client and partner organisations

are a positive, enthusiastic, and compelling representative of QTS to clients, external contacts, suppliers and stakeholders

have experience in capture management and bid pursuit including writing compelling bids and responses

have the ability to work under pressure to meet strict, non-negotiable submission deadlines

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum.

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What else do I need to know?

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of exciting defence-based projects, with vast career progression across a global organisation, in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.

You’ll receive a competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive, as we constantly review what’s happening in the market.

The range of benefits we offer include adaptive and flexible / hybrid working, ample holiday entitlements, generous employer pension contributions, enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay, and the ability to purchase discounted Health Cash Plans, Private Medical Insurance, and Dental Insurance, plus much more.

Please note that applications are reviewed as they are received, so we encourage early applications. This vacancy will be closed when sufficient suitable applications are received.

Employer
QinetiQ
Location
Ashford, United Kingdom · On site