Business Development Manager - Defence and Aerospace (Europe)

This role is based in Berlin, Germany.

Who we are:

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand’s international business development agency. We help ambitious New Zealand companies grow internationally by providing deep market insight, commercial expertise and global connections.

 

What you’ll be doing:

We’re seeking a Business Development Manager (BDM) to strengthen NZTE’s support for New Zealand Defence and Aerospace companies targeting Europe.

You will work across the European market to help New Zealand companies enter, scale and succeed in complex Defence and Aerospace environments, including engagement with primes, procurement bodies, and defence ecosystems.

While this role will build a customer portfolio over time, the initial focus is on sector leadership, commercial delivery and capability uplift - working closely with NZTE BDMs in Germany, France, and wider Europe, to bring deep sector insight and practical market know‑how into customer engagements.

This role is hands‑on, delivery‑focused and commercially grounded with a strong sector specialisation overlay. We are looking for proven hands-on execution.

In line with NZTE’s standard BDM responsibilities, you will:

• Lead commercially focused market entry and growth support for New Zealand Defence and Aerospace companies targeting Europe
• Apply deep sector knowledge and networks to open doors, validate opportunities and shape realistic go‑to‑market strategies
• Support New Zealand companies working with:
• Defence and aerospace primes and contractors
• Defence procurement organisations (e.g. NATO-aligned or national procurement bodies)
• Work closely with NZTE BDMs across Europe to lift sector capability and commercial realism, bringing your experience to support customer calls and engagements where specialist insight is required

• Provide practical guidance on procurement, customer expectations and commercial pressure points  
• Help customers navigate market entry and scaling pathways, Defence procurement cycles and buyer behaviours as well as the realities of operating in regulated, relationship‑driven markets
• Build a customer portfolio as new Defence and Aerospace exporters enter the European market
• Represent NZTE professionally across the Defence and Aerospace ecosystem, while remaining focused on delivery, execution and outcomes.

Please see the Position Description for more detail on the role responsibilities.

 

What you'll need to be successful:

This role requires deep, credible Defence and/or Aerospace experience in Europe.

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant, hands‑on experience in the Defence and/or Aerospace sector within Europe, including relevant commercial networks
• Experience working with or selling into: Defence or aerospace primes, tiered supply chains or Defence procurement or capability organisations
• A proven track record supporting commercial outcomes, not just relationship management - helping organisations enter new markets and scale commercially
• Comfort operating in complex, regulated and high‑pressure environments
• A practical, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mindset - this is a delivery‑oriented role focused on practical commercial outcomes, not just high‑level governance or advisory work.

This role is Berlin‑based, however regular regional travel across Europe will be required.

We operate in a hybrid working environment, with at least 3 days in office or with customers. 

Applicants must already have the right to live and work in Germany.

 

What’s next:

Please apply with a current CV and cover letter by 11.59pm EST on Sunday 19th April.

To help us assess alignment for this highly specialised role, we ask all applicants to clearly address the following in their cover letter:

Please outline how your Defence and/or Aerospace experience in Europe makes you well suited to this role, including the nature of your commercial experience, sector exposure and relevant networks.

Due to the specific requirements for this role, applications that do not clearly demonstrate relevant Defence and Aerospace sector experience may not be progressed.

 We believe New Zealand is good for the world. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer. At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability. If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Partner.