Business Development Director-Aerospace, Defence & Industrial

Overview

In this role you lead the Aerospace, Defence & Industrial sector growth across the UK, shaping strategy and winning major opportunities. You will partner with cross-functional teams to develop innovative logistics solutions and strengthen customer partnerships, driving sustainable growth for DSV. The position operates at executive level, influencing senior stakeholders and representing DSV in industry forums. You’ll shape the sector’s direction, leveraging market intelligence and global capabilities to create competitive advantage.

Pay / Benefits

• Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme for Ultra-Low Emissions Cars
• Salary Sacrifice Cycle Scheme
• WeCare App for wellbeing
• LifeWorks app for discounts and wellbeing
• Life Insurance with probate support

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK sector with clear direction, objectives and growth targets
• Define the sector growth strategy aligned to Contract Logistics objectives
• Identify and convert major opportunities with OEMs, defence primes, Tier 1 suppliers and industrials
• Drive revenue through proactive prospecting, solution selling and account penetration
• Develop market intelligence on customer strategies, trends, geopolitics, and supply chain needs
• Represent DSV with industry bodies, exhibitions and events
• Lead bid and tender activities for competitive Contract Logistics solutions
• Collaborate with Operations, Solutions Design, Engineering, IT, Finance and Procurement
• Champion innovation through automation, digitalisation, sustainability and resilience
• Build relationships across DSV’s global network to support multinational customers
• Maintain sales pipeline in Microsoft Dynamics CRM and forecast against targets
• Implement sector business development plan and track outcomes for strategy evolution
• Drive a marketing plan with social media, events and industry bodies
• Pursue targets through tender and wins to meet/exceed targets
• Lead and foster a culture of accountability within the team
• Support leadership forums and thought leadership as a senior BDL member
• Interact with senior stakeholders internally and externally with gravitas and credibility

Key requirements

• Proven commercial leadership in Aerospace, Defence and/or Industrial logistics
• Strong understanding of Contract Logistics, warehousing and integrated supply chain solutions
• Track record of winning high-value strategic opportunities
• Deep knowledge of Aerospace & Defence supply chains and operations
• Extensive network across OEMs, defence contractors, Tier 1 suppliers and manufacturers
• Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience
• Ability to interact with senior stakeholders with gravitas and credibility
• Strong negotiation skills in competitive renewals and new business
• High numeracy and literacy skills
• Inspiring leadership with clear objectives and accountability
• Ability to lead effectively in a matrix structure with influencing rather than direct management

• gravitas and credibility
• strong negotiation and influence
• cross-functional collaboration
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM
• contract logistics design
• tendering and bid management

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