{"id":2385153,"url":"https://alion.io/job/network-finance-business-development-executive-drone-technology","title":"Business Development Executive – Drone Technology","company":{"id":3827505,"name":"Network Finance","domain":"networkfinanceinternational.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/network-finance","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":"jobmail.co.za","ats_vendor":null,"truth_index":{"grade":"C","score":59,"open_postings":562,"ghost_share":0.585,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0.751,"time_to_fill_p50_days":5,"computed_at":"2026-10-19T05:45:15Z"}},"role":"Sales","role_family":"Sales","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Midrand, South Africa"],"countries":["ZA"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":18000,"max_usd":45000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":79},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-12T20:07:32Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-15","last_verified_at":"2026-10-15T21:17:45Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":null,"days_open":7,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":1,"flags":[],"days_open":6},"description":"An exciting opportunity exists for a commercially driven Business Development Executive with an engineering background and established industry relationships to drive business growth within the drone technology, security, surveillance, robotics and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sectors.The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new markets, developing strategic partnerships, building relationships with private security companies and government stakeholders, and converting technical capabilities into commercially viable solutions.\nThis role requires a unique combination of engineering knowledge, commercial acumen, managerial capability and an established network within the private security and drone technology industries.\nKey Responsibilities\nStrategic Business Development\nDevelop and implement business development strategies to expand market presence and generate sustainable revenue.\nIdentify new opportunities across private security, government, mining, industrial, infrastructure, logistics and other relevant sectors.\nBuild and manage a qualified sales pipeline, including prospective customers, tenders, projects and strategic partnerships.\nConduct market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging trends and commercial opportunities.\nDevelop business cases, revenue forecasts and account development plans.\nPrivate Security Industry Relationships\nEstablish and maintain relationships with security company owners, executives, operations managers, technical directors and procurement decision-makers.\nIdentify organisations using, or planning to adopt, drone-based security and surveillance solutions.\nUnderstand how drones are deployed for perimeter protection, alarm verification, intrusion detection, asset monitoring and large-site surveillance.\nIdentify customer challenges and recommend appropriate technology solutions, integration services and support offerings.\nDevelop partnerships for pilot projects, joint tenders, reseller agreements and integrated security solutions.\nDrone Technology & Engineering\nDemonstrate a sound understanding of unmanned aerial systems, drone platforms, payloads, communications, navigation and operational limitations.\nUnderstand applications involving thermal imaging, electro-optical cameras, autonomous flight, remote fleet management and drone-in-a-box systems.\nUnderstand the integration of drone technology with CCTV, video management systems, access control, alarm systems and security operations centres.\nEngage with engineering teams to evaluate customer requirements and develop technically appropriate, commercially viable solutions.\nParticipate in technical presentations, product demonstrations, proof-of-concept projects and solution-design discussions.\nTranslate engineering specifications into compelling commercial value propositions.\nGovernment & Public-Sector Business Development\nIdentify opportunities within government departments, municipalities, public-sector institutions and state-owned entities.\nBuild professional relationships with authorised stakeholders and relevant procurement decision-makers.\nMonitor tenders, requests for proposals and other public-sector procurement opportunities.\nCoordinate tender submissions, capability statements, technical proposals and commercial documentation.\nEnsure all stakeholder engagement, procurement activities and commercial arrangements comply with applicable legislation and ethical standards.\nSales, Negotiations & Commercial Management\nManage the complete business development lifecycle, from lead generation and qualification through to proposal development, negotiation and contract award.\nPrepare commercial proposals, presentations, pricing recommendations and return-on-investment assessments.\nNegotiate commercial terms, pricing, delivery schedules, service levels and support arrangements.\nIdentify opportunities for recurring revenue through maintenance, technical support, software and managed services, where applicable.\nMaintain accurate CRM records, sales forecasts, pipeline reports and customer account plans.\nWork closely with engineering, operations, finance, legal and executive management to ensure successful contract delivery.\nStrategic Partnerships & Market Expansion\nDevelop partnerships with drone manufacturers, technology suppliers, robotics businesses, software providers, engineering firms and systems integrators.\nIdentify opportunities for joint ventures, technology integration and collaborative tenders.\nMonitor industry developments, regulatory requirements and emerging technologies.\nProvide market feedback to management and technical teams to support product positioning and future business growth.\nMinimum Requirements\nA degree or recognised tertiary qualification in Engineering, preferably Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Aeronautical, Systems Engineering, Robotics or a related discipline.\nSubstantial experience in business development, technical sales, strategic account management or commercial management within an engineering, technology, security, robotics or aviation-related environment.\nA strong understanding of drone technology, unmanned aerial systems, robotics or related technical solutions.\nDemonstrable knowledge of the private security industry, particularly the use of drones for surveillance, monitoring and security operations.\nAn established professional network within private security companies, drone operators, security technology providers or related industries.\nProven experience identifying business opportunities and converting them into contracts, revenue or successful commercial partnerships.\nExperience preparing commercial proposals, conducting negotiations and managing senior customer relationships.\nThe ability to engage credibly with engineering teams while understanding customer requirements and commercial objectives.\nStrong business development, communication, presentation and relationship-management skills.\nA proactive, results-driven approach with the ability to work independently and achieve agreed targets.\nAdvantageous Qualifications & Experience\nA postgraduate qualification, MBA, business management qualification or project management qualification.\nExisting relationships with relevant government departments, public-sector institutions or procurement stakeholders.\nExperience with drone manufacturers, drone service providers, unmanned aviation businesses or security companies operating drone fleets.\nKnowledge of thermal imaging, autonomous drone operations, drone-in-a-box systems and integrated security technology.\nExperience in mining security, critical infrastructure protection, estate security, industrial surveillance or large-site monitoring.\nExperience in public-sector tender processes and procurement requirements.\nFamiliarity with South African commercial drone regulations and Civil Aviation Authority requirements.\nKey Skills & Competencies\nCommercial and strategic thinking.\nStrong negotiation and closing abilities.\nTechnical credibility and engineering understanding.\nEstablished industry relationships and networking capabilities.\nExcellent stakeholder engagement and presentation skills.\nBusiness planning, forecasting and pipeline management.\nLeadership, accountability and sound commercial judgement.\nHigh levels of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.\nA strong focus on measurable business growth and profitability.\nKey Performance Areas\nPerformance will be measured against agreed business objectives, including:Revenue generation and achievement of sales targets.\nDevelopment of a qualified business development pipeline.\nAcquisition of new customers and strategic accounts.\nGrowth of relationships within the private security and drone technology industries.\nIdentification and progression of government and public-sector opportunities.\nSuccessful contract acquisition and strategic partnership development.\nProposal quality, tender performance and sales conversion.\nCustomer retention, account growth and commercial profitability.\nPlease send your cv to 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