Senior Business Developer Demcon Defense & Security Systems

Are you the commercial driver who identifies, qualifies, and converts new opportunities for DDSS (Demcon Defense & Security Systems) within the Defense & Security market into long-term client relationships and concrete technical development and production projects? You effortlessly navigate between clients and operations, engineering (R&D), and management, and know how to sharpen propositions in terms of impact, feasibility, and differentiation.

In doing so, you strengthen DDSS as a contract engineering technology partner, active in projects around energy & cooling, autonomous systems (AI), and new themes we explore together.

About Demcon

DEMCON Defense & Security Systems collaborates with the Dutch ministry of defence on a number of themes: energy supply (electricity, heat, cooling) on large scale, such as for vehicles or bases, and on small (portable) scale; and autonomous systems, the development of technology for unmanned and (semi) autonomous systems.

What are you going to do?

• You identify and develop new business opportunities within the Defense & Security market and translate these into concrete projects and assignments.
• You actively build and maintain a strong network within Defense, OEMs, and relevant partners, and convert this into long-term collaborations.
• You regularly engage with clients, attend events, and spend time in the field to capture needs and identify opportunities at an early stage.
• You analyze client requests and understand the underlying needs, including operational context and stakeholder interests.
• You translate ideas and early-stage needs into clear value propositions, roadmaps, and project proposals (from concept to execution approach).
• You collaborate closely with engineering (R&D), systems engineering, and project management to deliver feasible and differentiated solutions.
• You actively manage commercial opportunities by qualifying, prioritizing, and defining next steps within the sales pipeline.
• You influence both internal and external stakeholders and create alignment around propositions and partnerships.
• You contribute to DDSS’s strategic direction by providing input on roadmaps, capability development, and new focus areas.
• You ensure a smooth handover of projects to project management and remain involved as an account manager.

What do you bring to the table?

• You are a strong communicator: you listen actively, ask the right questions, and seamlessly switch between operational, tactical, and strategic levels.
• You quickly build trust and develop long-term relationships with clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• You are entrepreneurial and proactive: you identify opportunities, take ownership, and ensure concrete follow-up.
• You are comfortable in a technical environment and can engage with engineers at a high level (R&D, systems engineering).
• You have strong conceptual and analytical skills and understand complex client needs, including context and stakeholder interests.
• You are externally oriented: you thrive in a networking role and are actively visible with clients and in the market.
• You combine commercial drive with content credibility and know how to convert opportunities into concrete assignments.
• You are persuasive: you communicate ideas clearly and create alignment with both clients and internal teams.
• You remain effective under pressure and have the perseverance to successfully develop opportunities.

In addition, you bring:

• At least 5 years of experience within the Defense & Security domain (projects, tenders, or collaboration within the ecosystem).
• A relevant network within the Ministry of Defense and/or the European defense industry (e.g., OEMs).
• A technical background or strong affinity with domains such as systems engineering, AI/robotics, or software/algorithms.
• Strong command of the English language.

What do we offer you?

• 31 days off and 8% vacation allowance.
• A good pension plan at Zwitserleven.
• The opportunity to follow training and courses through the Demcon Academy so you can further develop your knowledge.
• A laptop and telephone from work.
• Company car, Bicycle plan.
• Active personnel association (monthly activities such as drinks and an annual Demcon weekend) and annual sporting events.