New Business Development Manager Defense; m​/w​/d

This is how you make impact as Business Development Manager Defense

As Business Development Manager Defense, you play a key role in shaping and executing the business development strategy within Defense Electronics, with a strong focus on the German defense market. You identify and develop long‑term growth opportunities by strategically positioning the organization with German OEMs, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, and international companies active in the German defense ecosystem. Reporting to the Vice President Defense, you are accountable for achieving revenue, growth, and profitability objectives, while contributing to the overall defense portfolio strategy.

By combining in‑depth market intelligence, stakeholder management, and a hands‑on acquisition mindset, you translate market trends and customer needs into sustainable business opportunities and strategic partnerships.

You will work closely with our customers and team members at all levels with significant autonomy, influence, and responsibility. We offer a professional and collegial environment in which you are encouraged to take initiative, demonstrate leadership, and continuously further develop yourself. This is an opportunity to make a real impact within a dynamic, growing, and financially healthy high‑tech organization, while actively helping to shape the future of Neways.

In addition, we offer:

• An appealing and competitive compensation package that reflects your seniority, including a lease car, performance‑based bonus
• A strong focus on technology leadership, customer intimacy, and operational excellence
• A flexible / hybrid working model, based in Germany
• A dynamic international role with extensive travel (>50%)

You are a commercially driven business development professional with a strong strategic mindset and a solid technical foundation. With extensive experience in the international defence and electronics market, you excel at translating complex market opportunities into sustainable business growth. You combine long‑term account and market vision with a hands‑on, deal‑focused approach and operate confidently in complex, matrix‑driven organizations where, alignment, and stakeholder management are critical.

You take full ownership of the commercial lifecycle from early opportunity identification and customer engagement through negotiation and contract closure. Your deep understanding of customer challenges, technological roadmaps, and market dynamics enables you to position compelling value propositions and build long‑term, profitable partnerships. You thrive in an international environment, are comfortable with frequent travel, and perform best in roles that offer autonomy, accountability, and a clear impact on growth.

Additionally, we require:

Degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or similar) or Business Administration with strong technical affinity

5+ years (ideally 10+ years) of experience in business development, sales, or commercial program management within the international defense (electronics) market

Established and relevant commercial network in the defense industry

Experience with:

• OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
• Complex EMS environments
• Matrix and cross‑functional Organization

Strong understanding of defense electronics markets and trends

Strategic, entrepreneurial, and results‑driven with a clear hunter mentality

Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills

Willingness to support the (re‑)obtaining of German security clearancy

Fluency in German and sufficient English business proficiency (verbal and written)

Flexibility to travel >50% , including customer visits, European Neways sites, and regular interaction with the headquarters in Son/Eindhoven

Develop and execute a 3‑year key account and market strategy

Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities

Build and maintain a strong personal network within the defense sector

Drive prospects through the full business development funnel

Initiate business cases, investment proposals, and technology roadmaps

Monitor and translate market, technology, and…