Leidos
Business Development Manager (Defence)
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Business Development Manager (Defence)
Programme Name: UK Growth
Location & Flexibility
- Primary Locations: Farnborough or Whiteley
- Work Arrangements: Travel required with flexibility to work from home based on business demands
Salary Range
£75,800 – £99,800 (per annum)
About Leidos
Leidos empowers teams to deliver innovative solutions in defence, government, safety & security, and healthcare, guided by the mission, vision, and values: Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, Agility, Collaboration & Commitment.
Leidos UK’s Culture Charter aligns business behaviours with integrity, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where teams address complex challenges to serve customers and communities.
The Role
As a Business Development Manager – Defence ( embedded within Leidos’ National Security & Defence (NS&D) Division), you will lead UK Ministry of Defence-related business development in partnership with business development (BD) teams and report to the BD Director (NS&D).
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Pipeline Development
- Plan and execute strategic business development (BD) activities to achieve annual growth targets.
- Develop and manage a future-proof opportunity pipeline (covering 2-5 years) aligned with UK strategy.
- Foster and maintain senior stakeholder relationships with Defence clients to position Leidos as a strategic supplier.
Bid Leadership & Client Engagement
- Guide bid/team development during business campaigns, shaping client-specific propositions.
- Identify and qualify relevant opportunities that align Leidos strengths with client needs.
- Lead high-value campaigns across the UK Defence sector (targeting contracts worth £25M+, frameworks, and follow-on awards).
- Act as an influential leadership and communication voice within multi-functional BD teams.
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Requirements
Core Experiences & Achievements
- 5+ years of successful commercial activity in the UK Defence sector within the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
- Substantial experience in:
- Achieving ** annular revenue growth** and meeting clear business KPIs.
- Leading, winning and scaling defence contracts (>£25m value), including follow-on awards.
- Building and sustaining partnerships/consortia to secure bids.
- Creating bids for multi-domain and digital transformation frameworks.
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills with proven ability to influence decision-makers.
Subject Matter & Industry Expertise
- Deep knowledge of:
- Government procurement trends, MOD contracts and customer engagement behaviours.
- Defence Intelligence programs (essential).
- Defence Science and Technology centre (DSTL), R&D (highly desirable).
- Information Advantage concepts, AI/ML and autonomous systems (desirable).
- Integration Building & Space, autonomous systems, IT Service Management, and industry frameworks (all desirable).
clearance Qualification
- Clearance for Role:
- SC clearance to start
- DV clearance for the role
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What We Offer You
A purpose-driven work environment focused on customer success, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Competitive Package Includes:
- £75,800–£99,800 salary range
- Contributory pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- 33 days annual leave (including public/privilege holidays)
- Flexible benefits:
- Life assurance
- Health schemes
- Gym membership
- Annual buy/sell holiday
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Hybrid/WFH flexibility (eligible for Smart Work operations)
Inclusivity & Culture Commitments
Leidos is committed to diversity and accessibility and offers reasonable adjustments to support applicants with disabilities.
Who We Are & Why We Stand Out
It’s your mission. Make a real difference while supporting frontline services with leading-edge solutions in AI, cybersecurity, defence and digital transformation.
At Leidos, you’re not just part of an organisation—you’re part of a mission.
Differentiators:
- Empowerment – Dedicated to enabling career growth through talent development programs like technical academies & rotations.
- Culture – Foster flexibility, transparency, and agility to deliver results at pace.
- Purpose – Apply your expertise to save lives and innovate.
Join us—if you’re ready to disrupt, drive change, and refuse to fail.
Learn more: Leidos UK Careers / Leidos Pay & Benefits
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