Business Development Manager - Defence

Are you a dynamic, growth-driven ‘hunter’ with a passion for identifying, developing and closing new business opportunities in the defence sector? This role will shape the future of Portable Gas and Threat Detection across UK and Northern European defence markets.

This role focuses on proactive prospecting, penetrating new defence accounts and creating demand for portable gas detection solutions across military bases, defence manufacturing, shipbuilding and maintenance, aerospace, CBRN response and other mission-critical environments. You will engage senior stakeholders across government agencies, defence organisations, prime contractors and industry partners, identify unmet operational and safety needs, and influence specifications early in long-cycle procurement programmes. You will lead the full sales cycle from opportunity identification and approved-product-list positioning through proposals, tenders and contract negotiation, working closely with technical, product, project and internal government-relations teams to develop compelling value propositions. Success requires conceptual selling, a strong commercial mindset, knowledge of defence procurement and regulated customer environments, expertise in portable gas detection, instrumentation and/or safety, and a proven record of winning new customers and driving sustainable revenue growth.

We’re seeking a Business Development Manager – Defence to join our UK & Ireland Team, with a wider Northern Europe remit. You will spearhead business development for Honeywell’s Portable Gas Detection portfolio, opening new routes to market, building relationships with defence stakeholders and partners, and positioning established products and new innovations for applications such as confined-space entry, fuel and hangar operations, maintenance, defence manufacturing, CBRN and personnel protection.

This role will require regular travel to customer, partner and Honeywell sites, primarily across the UK and Northern Europe.

About Honeywell Technologies

Honeywell Gas Detection helps defence customers protect personnel, assets and mission-critical operations through reliable portable detection and monitoring technologies. Our portfolio supports demanding applications including confined spaces, hazardous-gas exposure, maintenance and manufacturing environments, emergency response and CBRN-related applications. By combining connected gas detection technologies, advanced sensors, software and data capabilities, we help customers strengthen safety, operational resilience, situational awareness and productivity.

We Enable our Customers to Enhance the Safety, Sustainability, Resilience and Productivity of their People, Plants, and Assets.

WE VALUE

• Business Development Expertise: Proven success in generating new business and opening new markets, ideally in Industrial Automation, technical or complex solution environments.
• Strategic Sales Leadership: Ability to design and execute growth strategies, influence early buying cycles and drive long-term expansion.
• Executive Relationship Building: Skilled at engaging senior stakeholders and positioning yourself as a trusted advisor.
• Commercial & Market Acumen: Strong understanding of industry trends, customer drivers and value-based selling.
• Leadership Attributes: Confident communicator, influential, adaptable, results-driven and effective in matrix organisations.
• Desired Knowledge: Expertise in renewable energy, sustainable fuels, data centres, life science processes and commercial markets.

WE OFFER

• Trust-Based Defined Contribution Plan with employer contributions.
• Access to private healthcare, including reimbursed insurer-approved hospital treatment.
• Opportunity to become a shareholder through our employee share purchase plan.
• Receive 100% of your weekly base salary during eligible sickness absence, with entitlement increasing based on length of service.
• Employee Assistance Programme - Free and confidential service to help with any difficulties regarding work, life, and personal or family matters.
• Fast access to virtual GP consultations, mental health support, physiotherapy, and specialists for second medical opinions.
• Enhanced Family Leave with maternity/adoption pay at 100% of normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks.
• Financial protection and support during long-term illness or disability.
• Generous life assurance cover providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive discounts, cashback offers, and savings on shopping, travel, dining, entertainment, and everyday spending.
• Access to negotiated corporate rates with global suppliers, including technology, car rentals, gifts, and retail purchases.
• Worldwide accident protection while travelling on company business.
• Employee recognition and referral bonus programmes.
• Global employee networks and international career development pathways.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Join a team recognized for leadership, innovation, and diversity.

 Join us now and make an impact!

#TheFutureIsWhatWeMakeIt

Market Expansion & Business Development: 

• Identify, pursue and convert new business opportunities across targeted vertical markets.
• Build a strong pipeline by prospecting new customers and expanding Honeywell’s presence into white-space at existing clients.
• Position Honeywell’s evolving capabilities early in the customer buying cycle to shape requirements and influence strategy.

Growth Within the Installed Base: 

• Support account managers to unlock new value streams within existing accounts by introducing additional Honeywell solutions and digital capabilities.
• Expand relationships across customer organisations to drive multi-site, multi-solution growth.
• Develop strategies that increase Honeywell’s share of wallet and create long-term competitive barriers.

Customer Engagement & Strategic Influence:

• Lead the full sales cycle from opportunity creation to negotiation and close.
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding customer challenges and aligning them with Honeywell’s technology and innovation roadmap.
• Build senior-level relationships that support long-term strategic partnerships and cross-portfolio adoption.
• Navigate complex decision environments with confidence and political agility.

Sales Execution & Opportunity Leadership:

• Drive disciplined pipeline management, forecasting and account planning.
• Collaborate with technical, product and marketing teams to craft compelling, value-driven solutions.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Coordinate internal resources to ensure successful pursuit and delivery of customer outcomes.
• Champion customer needs within Honeywell and influence stakeholders across functions and leadership levels.
• Support go-to-market initiatives that introduce new Honeywell capabilities to the market.