Major Programmes Sales Lead
Sales & Business Development
Bristol, UK
Posted on May 15, 2026
We’re building the UK's next generation engineering powerhouse, providing critical technology that strengthens national security and resilience.
N.b. This role may also suit candidates with titles such as: Capture Manager, Business Development Director, Bid Director, or Sales Director (Defence).
N.b. This role may also suit candidates with titles such as: Capture Manager, Business Development Director, Bid Director, or Sales Director (Defence).
We specialise in turning advances in sensing, AI, and communications into operational capability for the edge, where connectivity may be degraded or denied. Our work focuses on accelerating the deployment of technology, improving decision-making for frontline teams, and protecting people and critical assets in demanding environments.
Headquartered in Bristol, Rowden employs around 160 people and operates over 20,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing facilities. We have a growing international footprint and are one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering businesses.
About the role
As Business Development / Sales Manager, you'll be responsible for leading and delivering complex captures in regulated procurement environments. This is a senior role with dual focus: leading from the front on major government sales (across defence, national security, CNI and emergency response), whilst amplifying the impact of the wider sales team.
This role will suit a professional with strong first-principles analytical ability and genuine creativity – someone who can deconstruct complex problems, generate original approaches and shape competitive strategy from the ground up, rather than simply replicating processes learned elsewhere. This is an ideal role for someone who has experience leading high value (£10m+) complex captures looking for their next challenge as part of a dynamic, high growth business.
For senior roles, compensation is tailored to the scope of the role and the specific experience a candidate brings. Because that can vary significantly, we do not always publish a fixed salary band. We will, however, discuss compensation openly at the first stage of the process and can share an indicative range before either side invests significant time.
Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.
More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels
This role will suit a professional with strong first-principles analytical ability and genuine creativity – someone who can deconstruct complex problems, generate original approaches and shape competitive strategy from the ground up, rather than simply replicating processes learned elsewhere. This is an ideal role for someone who has experience leading high value (£10m+) complex captures looking for their next challenge as part of a dynamic, high growth business.
For senior roles, compensation is tailored to the scope of the role and the specific experience a candidate brings. Because that can vary significantly, we do not always publish a fixed salary band. We will, however, discuss compensation openly at the first stage of the process and can share an indicative range before either side invests significant time.
Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.
More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels