BD Manager | Flight Inspection & Aerial Survey

Arden White is partnering with a specialist aviation organisation operating within the Flight Inspection and Aerial Survey sector. Due to continued growth and ambitious commercial objectives, we are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive revenue growth across both UK and international markets.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused aviation professional with experience within the aerial survey, flight inspection, airport, or wider general aviation sectors. The successful individual will play a key role in identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic customer relationships, and securing long term revenue generating contracts.

The organisation is particularly interested in speaking with individuals who possess existing knowledge of the UK aerial survey market and have experience operating in highly specialised aviation environments.

The Role

Reporting directly into the senior commercial leadership team, you will be responsible for driving new business activity, identifying market opportunities, managing tender submissions, and negotiating commercial agreements across global markets.

You will take ownership of the full sales lifecycle, from initial market identification and stakeholder engagement through to contract award and operational handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities across Flight Inspection and Aerial Survey markets globally.

• Generate new leads through market intelligence, networking, industry relationships, and proactive business development activity.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with airports, aviation authorities, government bodies, and other key stakeholders.

• Lead all aspects of the sales process, from initial engagement through to commercial negotiation and contract award.

• Identify, qualify, and manage major tender opportunities within both established and emerging markets.

• Produce compelling, compliant, and commercially robust tender responses.

• Support pricing strategy to ensure commercial competitiveness whilst meeting business profitability objectives.

• Monitor market activity, competitor movements, and emerging opportunities to support future growth.

• Work closely with operational teams to ensure successful project mobilisation and seamless customer handover.

• Identify opportunities to maximise utilisation and generate additional revenue streams.

• Influence customer procurement strategies where possible to create long term partnerships and reduce reliance on competitive tender processes.

About You

We are keen to speak with commercially driven individuals who possess a genuine passion for aviation and a proven ability to secure new business within specialist or technically focused environments.

You will ideally possess:

• A strong track record of winning new business and achieving ambitious sales targets.

• Experience operating in environments where opportunities are generated proactively rather than solely through formal tenders.

• Demonstrable experience leading and winning competitive tender submissions, both within the UK and internationally.

• Strong commercial negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Previous experience within Flight Inspection, Aerial Survey, General Aviation, Airports, Air Navigation Services, or a related aviation environment.

• Existing knowledge of the UK aerial survey market would be highly advantageous.

• Experience working within small to medium sized organisations undergoing growth would be beneficial.

• Excellent relationship building, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to work autonomously whilst collaborating effectively across operational and commercial teams.

Why Apply?

• Join a highly specialised and respected aviation organisation.

• Play a key role in shaping future commercial growth.

• Significant autonomy and influence within the business.

• Attractive commission structure with strong earning potential.

• Opportunity to work within a niche and globally recognised aviation sector.

Business Development Manager – Flight Inspection & Aerial Survey

Location: Brighton City Airport, West Sussex
Salary: Competitive Base Salary + Uncapped Commission (OTE circa £70,000+)
Sector: Aviation | Flight Inspection | Aerial Survey

Whether you are currently working within aerial survey, flight inspection, airport services, or another specialist aviation environment, this could represent an exciting next step in your career.

At Arden White, we are committed to connecting exceptional talent with industry-leading organisations across the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sectors.

Arden White is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.