Home > Case Studies > Business Development Manager, Weapons

Business Development Manager, Weapons

“I have found my Hawker Chase consultant to be a highly competent, diligent and caring professional who takes great pride in mentoring their clients; as a result they are truly effective. My association with them over a protracted employment process was engaging, thoughtful and influential. I would recommend them to any of my peers – they get results”
David Meyer OBE AFC

Client

A global aerospace, defence, security and advanced technology company, and one of the worlds largest defence contractors.

Opportunity

The client was seeking a Business Development Manager for the Weapons business area, with specific focus around the Apache Helicopter weapons systems.

The sought-after candidate was someone with experience within a business development/sales role gained from within the aerospace/defence industry. Also crucial was a track record of winning new business opportunities, securing orders and leading on major pursuits as well as with knowledge and experience of the MOD procurement processes.  It was suggested that the ideal candidate would be ex-Apache Helicopter Aircrew looking to move out of the army.

Situation

The client approached Hawker Chase after having unsuccessfully run its own advertising and contingency recruitment campaign over a number of months. Following conversations with the Business Development Director in order to gain a full understanding of his and the business’s requirements and challenges, our proposal was accepted we were tasked to deliver on this business-critical assignment.

Solution

Following focused research and in consultation with the hiring authority in order to develop the initial long list, our research team identified potential target organisations and individuals who could meet the agreed criteria.  Our main focus remained ex-Apache Aircrew and following conversations and interviews with a number of Apache Squadron Commanders, Training Delivery Managers for the UK Apache Team, Attack Helicopter Aviation Managers and Apache Helicopter Pilots, we were able to present a shortlist of 6 excellent candidates - all working within an Apache Aircrew capacity - within 4 weeks. 

apache-helicopter

Conclusion

  • The successful hire was a Serving Army Officer with 25 years’ experience commanding a regiment within the Army Air Corps, where he was responsible for all the flying training of Army helicopter pilots.  He had gained extensive Apache experience (1000hrs+) as a pilot and instructor and had flown and commanded on operations in Afghanistan.  He had also been responsible for designing and implementing the combat training of all UK Apache Pilots between 2003 and 2007, and had extensive project management experience within the defence aviation arena.
  • A shortlist of six candidates was delivered within 4 weeks.
  • Additional Market Intelligence was provided to the client.