Business Development Associate

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated Business Development Associate to join our team, with a focus on expanding our international business. You will play a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of our business by tapping into new opportunities, forging and maintaining strong partnerships, and expanding our presence within the DoD and related sectors globally. You will report directly to our Director of International.

While the role is based in London, you will work to support Saronic’s growth in the UK and other US allies

Responsibilities

• Lead Generation and Prospecting: Identify and engage with key stakeholders and decision-makers inside the defence and maritime community and relevant agencies to boost awareness and create demand for our ASVs. Search and triage various opportunities that arise as tenders, innovation contracts, or unsolicited proposals
• Sales Support and Pipeline Development: Provide support to our sales team by enhancing our sales pipeline, managing opportunity tracking, and ensuring timely follow-up with prospects. Create compelling sales collateral, presentations, and promotional materials tailored to the defense and maritime sectors. Prepare bid responses and proposals that come out of senior engagement in the country
• Relationship Building and Networking: Identify, evaluate, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. Represent our company at defence, maritime, and tech industry events, establishing a strong network and identifying potential business opportunities
• Proposal Development and Contract Negotiation: Work collaboratively with internal teams to craft compelling, customised proposals and presentations to meet the unique needs of our clients. Engage in contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with our strategic goals and in compliance with industry standards
• Market Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research to identify potential clients, assess competitors, and understand emerging market trends within the autonomous surface vessel industry. Leverage market insights to inform strategic decision-making and enhance our business development initiatives

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Law, Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in business development, sales, or a similar role, ideally within the defense, maritime, and technology sectors
• Strong understanding of autonomous systems, maritime technology, and defence acquisition processes
• Creativity and inventiveness in suggesting novel solutions to complex problems
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, triage workflow, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel to meet business objectives and client needs and accommodate communications across multiple timezones