Business Development & Sales Manager - International (all genders)

SKD SE
Swindon

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Job details

Permanent | Full-time
17 hours ago

Qualifications

Sales
Procurement
English
Business development
Communication skills

Full job description

Swindon, Remote, UK

Full-time

Permanent employee

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop and manufacture high performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.

We’re focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems—not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe—today.

Your mission

Reporting directly to the Head of Business Development & Capture, you will be a pivotal hire for our International Growth team. We are seeking a Business Development & Sales Manager to drive international growth for STARK’s Unmanned Systems across land, air and sea.

This role is critical in STARK’s growth across all International markets and will play a key part in identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities in the defence sector outside of Europe.

You will work at the intersection between growth, strategic partnerships and market expansion, working with the bid, engineering, legal, finance and export control functions to ensure contract award.

Responsibilities

Growth: Opportunity identification, qualification and capture; including shaping longer-term opportunities, developing win strategies, and supporting the proposal processes to secure contracts.
Strategy: Support the development and implementation of the market entry strategies for all International markets conducted via a multi-channel strategy.
Internal Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams to align solutions and proposals with customer needs and requirements.
Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders from Government, Ministries of Defence, Procurement bodies, Innovation agencies and Industry.
Bids & Proposals: Develop compelling bids and proposals, ensuring alignment with customer priorities and compliance with defence procurement processes.
External Engagement & Events: Represent STARK at international industry events, trade shows, and client meetings to promote our solutions and build brand recognition.

Qualifications

We are looking for a high-energy professional, who combines a “boots on the ground” mindset and a willingness to take real ownership. Ideally this is someone that wants to grow and take on more responsibility.
Past experience in sales, business development or strategy roles or a similar role within the defence industry or adjacent sectors.
Familiarity with Shipley Method or Sales best practice within Defence.
Experience working with and an understanding of government procurement processes.
Understanding of the political and geopolitical environment internationally.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment. You must be able to interface effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders and have the ability to build trusted relationships throughout.
Adaptability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with a strong drive for innovation and continuous improvement. We want someone who will challenge the status quo to find more efficient ways of working without compromising quality.
Ideally eligible to obtain and maintain Security Clearance.
Comfortable with international travel.
A willingness to learn and grow with the company, with a desire to progress over time.
English language fluency.
Candidates must be willing to live and work in the UK, with a willingness to travel internationally as required.

Nice to have

Language fluency in other languages.
Familiarity with unmanned systems, mission management software, or related technologies.

STARK Defence UK has achieved the ERS - The Defence Employer Recognition Bronze award 2026

Talent Contact:
Sally Grütte-Pad, Interim Lead TA Partner, via [email protected]

About us

SECURITY CLEARANCE
Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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