Account Director

Senior Business Development Manager / Account Director, Defence and National Security
Manchester (with travel) | £80,000 – £110,000 + bonus
SC clearance essential, DV highly desirable

iO Associates is seeking a senior commercial professional to join a dynamic technology and consulting firm specialising in UK defence and national security.

Defence is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the business, and this position is pivotal to accelerating that growth. You will become part of a small, senior team at an exciting stage as the market begins to expand, offering significant opportunity.

About the role

This senior individual contributor role reports directly to the Director responsible for this business area. The position involves an even balance between managing and expanding existing defence client relationships and developing new opportunities from the ground up.

Key responsibilities

• Lead account management for existing defence clients, overseeing relationships from opportunity identification and proposal development through to successful delivery.
• Develop new routes to market within the MOD, its affiliated organisations, and major defence suppliers and primes. National Armements Director network is hugely benifitial.
• Drive prime partnerships, collaborate with bid consortia, and secure positions on defence frameworks.
• Shape and promote innovative propositions tailored to defence clients, working closely with internal teams to create solutions that meet genuine client needs.
• Contribute to the broader defence and national security growth strategy.

Essential experience and qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in UK defence and national security business development, account management, or go-to-market roles within consulting, technology, or prime contractors.
• Current and valid SC clearance; DV clearance is highly desirable.
• Established and active network across UK defence and national security, including direct engagement with primes and senior MOD stakeholders.
• Proven track record of growing accounts and securing new business within the defence sector.
• Experience in technology adoption, digital transformation, or organisational change within government settings is advantageous.

What we offer

A competitive salary of £80,000 to £110,000 (depending on experience), an annual bonus scheme, a strong pension plan, private healthcare, and 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.

For a confidential discussion or to learn more about this opportunity and the wider market, please contact George Russell at iO Associates directly.