iO Associates
Business Development Director

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Senior Business Development Lead, Defence & National Security
Permanent | Hybrid | UK
Organisation Overview
Our client is an established technology and IT services provider with a strong track record across the UK public sector. Following significant investment, they are building out a dedicated direct capability in Defence and National Security and are hiring a senior sales figure to help drive that growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new business area from the front rather than inherit an established patch.
Role Summary
This is a hunter role at its core. We are seeking a proven new business closer who understands the Defence and National Security buying environment and can find, qualify and win significant new work, then either manage the account or hand it to delivery. You will operate with genuine autonomy, open doors through your own network, and build a pipeline from the ground up.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Identify, pursue and close new business across Defence and National Security
- Build and own a qualified pipeline aligned to the client's growth strategy
- Develop senior relationships across MOD customers, DE&S, Defence Digital and the front line commands
- Position solutions spanning secure infrastructure, networking, end user services, technology refresh and workplace and collaboration services
- Work with partners where it strengthens the win, while driving genuinely direct engagement
- Shape propositions and commercials to convert opportunities into signed business
- Maintain accurate forecasting and clear pipeline visibility
Essential Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable track record of winning new business in Defence or National Security
- A genuine hunter who can originate, progress and close, not solely manage existing accounts
- Strong existing network across the defence customer and supplier community
- Credibility to operate at senior stakeholder level from day one
- Self-starter comfortable in a build-out environment with limited existing infrastructure
- Minimum SC clearance, or full eligibility to obtain it


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Desirable Skills & Experience
- Military service background combined with several years in a commercial sales role
- DV clearance
- Familiarity with the MOD digital and technology estate
Package
- Highly competitive base salary, dependent on experience
- Realistic OTE of 1.5x to 2x base
- Car allowance, private healthcare contribution and a strong commission scheme with guarantees
Call to Action
If you are a proven defence sales professional ready to build something from the front, we would like to hear from you. Apply with your CV for a confidential conversation.
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