Business Development Manager – Defence & Aerospace

About the Role

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving customer acquisition and business growth, with an initial focus on the Defence and UAS markets. The role involves identifying new opportunities, managing customer relationships, supporting proposal development, and working closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to convert customer requirements into successful manufacturing programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities, with an initial focus on the Defence and UAS sectors, while supporting expansion into aerospace, space, and advanced manufacturing markets.
  
• Generate qualified leads through market research, networking, customer visits, industry events, and digital platforms.
  
• Build and maintain relationships with Defence OEMs, UAS manufacturers, system integrators, aerospace OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, research organizations, government agencies, and private defence companies.
  
• Identify and pursue Build-to-Print manufacturing opportunities, RFQs, prototype programs, and long-term production contracts.
  
• Coordinate customer meetings, technical discussions, presentations, and follow-up activities.
  
• Prepare commercial proposals, quotations, capability presentations, and other business development documents.
  
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams to develop competitive technical and commercial solutions.
  
• Support commercial negotiations, customer onboarding, contract execution, and strategic partnerships.
  
• Maintain an accurate sales pipeline, CRM records, forecasts, and periodic business development reports.
  
• Represent AeroDef Structures at defence, aerospace, and UAS exhibitions, conferences, and industry networking events.
  
• Monitor market trends, customer requirements, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities within the defence and aerospace ecosystem.
  

What Success Looks Like

• Build and maintain a strong qualified sales pipeline within the Defence and UAS sectors.
  
• Secure new prototype, Build-to-Print, and production manufacturing programs.
  
• Develop long-term relationships with strategic customers and industry partners.
  
• Support AeroDef Structures' expansion into broader aerospace, space, and international markets.
  
• Contribute to sustainable revenue growth through strategic customer acquisition and partnerships.
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
  
• 4–8 years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Key Account Management, or Strategic Partnerships.
  
• Experience in Defence, Aerospace, UAS, Composites, Precision Manufacturing, or related engineering industries is strongly preferred.
  
• Experience managing RFQs, commercial proposals, customer negotiations, and contract management is desirable.
  
• Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
  
• Ability to understand customer technical requirements and collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
  
• Familiarity with CRM tools and Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Willingness to travel within India and internationally as required.
  

Benefits

• Be part of a fast-growing aerospace manufacturing company building advanced composite capabilities in India.
  
• Work directly with leading Defence, Aerospace, and UAS customers on cutting-edge programs.
  
• Collaborate with experienced engineering and industry professionals in a high-impact environment.
  
• Enjoy significant opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and career advancement.
  
• Help shape the future of advanced manufacturing for India's Defence and Aerospace ecosystem.