This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director; Business Development Asia Pacific based in Portugal.

This senior leadership role is responsible for driving strategic business growth across the Asia Pacific defense and aerospace markets. You will operate at the intersection of government relations, commercial strategy, and complex defense procurement, shaping long-term partnerships with ministries of defense, air forces, and key industry stakeholders. The role requires a strong mix of strategic vision and hands-on execution in high-value, mission-critical environments. You will lead capture strategies, identify new market opportunities, and influence regional positioning in advanced airborne training solutions. Working closely with senior executives and cross-functional teams, you will help define and execute regional expansion plans. This is a high-impact role within a global organization operating at the forefront of defense innovation and training excellence.

Responsible for leading business development and government engagement activities across the Asia Pacific region, driving strategic growth in defense aviation and airborne training services. You will develop and execute regional go-to-market and government relations strategies while identifying and shaping new business opportunities across complex procurement environments.

• Lead regional business development strategy, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and opportunity identification across APAC defense markets
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with defense ministries, air forces, and government stakeholders
• Drive capture management activities including RFI/RFP responses, bid strategy, and proposal development
• Conduct market intelligence analysis to assess trends, risks, opportunities, and market sizing
• Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, finance, and technical teams to support solution development
• Represent the organization at international defense and aerospace events across the Asia Pacific region
• Oversee government relations strategy, including regulatory monitoring and policy engagement activities
• Support executive leadership in shaping long-term regional expansion and partnership strategies

Requirements:

Strong senior-level experience in business development, capture management, or government-facing commercial roles within aerospace, defense, or complex government services environments. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities in highly regulated and relationship-driven markets.

• Proven experience working with Asia Pacific defense ministries, air forces, or government procurement bodies
• Strong background in business development, bid management, or capture leadership in aerospace or defense sectors
• Deep understanding of defense procurement cycles, government structures, and tendering processes
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills at executive and government levels
• Strong analytical and strategic planning abilities, including market and competitor analysis
• Outstanding communication skills in English; additional APAC languages are a strong asset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments
• Proficiency with CRM tools and standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees (MBA or equivalent) are an advantage

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package
• Flexible working arrangements (remote and international collaboration)
• Opportunity to work on high-impact defense and aerospace programs
• International exposure across Asia Pacific and global defense markets
• Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities
• Collaborative, values-driven work environment focused on integrity, excellence, and teamwork
• Travel opportunities across key strategic markets

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

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