Business Development Manager - Government Surveillance

Business Development Manager - Government Surveillance

Location: London - Hybrid
Department: Commerical
Type: Permanent, Full time

About Us:

Founded in 2018, Skyports is at the forefront of the Advanced Air Mobility revolution, developing and operating cutting-edge infrastructure for electric air taxis and leveraging drone technology to transform business operations across industries.

Our business is split into two key areas:

Skyports Infrastructure plays a vital role in the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem, designing, building, owning, and operating vertiports that enable eVTOL operators to take off and land in cities around the world.

Skyports Drone Services uses drones to streamline logistics, capture data, and enhance operational efficiency, with a focus on rural deliveries, surveying, surveillance, and maritime services.

With our presence in this dynamic, high-growth industry, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of our mission to reshape the future of air mobility.

The Role:

We are hiring a Business Development Manager - Government Surveillance to establish and grow our pipeline of government surveillance contracts, with a focus on border security and maritime surveillance missions. You will lead commercial activity with key agencies including EMSA, HMCG, the Home Office, and others across the UK and Europe.

You'll work closely with our Head of Commercial to define the go-to-market strategy, identify and pursue tenders and funding opportunities, and form strategic partnerships with OEMs, integrators, and government primes. From building initial relationships to securing major contracts, this is a full-spectrum BD role.

This is a critical hire and the first of its kind at Skyports-your work will shape our market entry, define our positioning, and drive top-line growth in a strategically vital domain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and convert pipeline opportunities across surveillance missions
• Own relationships with government bodies (e.g. EMSA, HMCG, Home Office, DfT)
• Drive tender participation and compliance for major public sector bids
• Lead capability demos and customer evaluations
• Represent Skyports in working groups, forums, and defence/security events
• Prepare proposals, pricing, and marketing material with internal/external support
• Build strategic partnerships with OEMs and primes
• Author thought leadership content and represent Skyports publicly

Success in First 6-12 Months

• 3 demos delivered to strategic government customers
• Active participation in key working groups
• Submission to 3-5 high-value tenders
• First OEM/integrator partnership secured
• Government BD strategy and playbook implemented
• Progress on security clearance requirements

About You:

• Expansive experience selling into government, defence, or national security markets
• Proven track record of securing complex government contracts in surveillance, aviation, or drone technology
• Deep understanding of public sector procurement cycles, frameworks, and tendering processes
• Existing network within agencies such as EMSA, HMCG, UKMOD, Home Office, or related maritime/border organisations
• Strong commercial instincts with a hands-on approach to capture, relationship development, and bid execution

Bonus Points For

• Experience working within or selling into NATO, UN, or homeland security frameworks
• Familiarity with government security clearance processes (SC, DV, NATO Secret)
• Experience with both surveillance systems and drone operations
• Track record of contributing to thought leadership, whitepapers, or public-sector technology events

Other Requirements

• Location: London-based with hybrid working (minimum 3 days/week in-office)
• Travel: Up to 50% travel across the UK and Europe
• Clearance: Security clearance preferred; experience navigating clearance pathways a plus

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative and growing industry.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.

How to Apply:

If you're passionate about Sales and keen to be part of a pioneering company that is changing the future of transportation, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you're a great fit for this role.

Skyports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.