Business Development Manager (Defence)
Forth Ports is one of the UK’s leading and most progressive port operator groups, playing a vital role in connecting the UK with Europe and global markets. As a multimodal port owner and operator, we deliver innovative, high-quality port services that support a wide range of sectors—including defence.
With a clear commitment to sustainability, we have pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042. At the same time, we are strengthening Scotland’s strategic defence capabilities, positioning our ports as key partners for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), NATO, and allied naval forces. This is a pivotal moment for the defence sector, making it an exciting time to join Forth Ports and help shape the UK’s maritime security posture.
This position is based in Leith but will work closely with our ports across Scotland and involve regular travel to our sites.
About the role
This role will play a significant role in driving growth and developing strategic partnerships across the UK’s naval and defence sectors. This position will be based in Leith, however will work closely with our ports across Scotland and involve regular travel across our sites.,
This is a rare opportunity to position Forth Ports as the preferred Scottish base for Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, NATO, and allied naval operations, while supporting national resilience and the UK’s Strategic Defence Review objectives..
Naval & Defence Business Development:
Capture new opportunities arising from the UK Strategic Defence Review, establishing Forth Ports as the port of choice for naval visits (Leith, Rosyth, Dundee)
Build and maintain trusted relationships with the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, NATO, and other international partners, as well as political stakeholders and key supply chain contacts
Facilitate seamless planning and execution of naval visits, including berth allocation, infrastructure, and service provision
Expand the operational footprint of Scottish ports to support mobilisation, logistics, munitions basing, exercises, training, and critical infrastructure surveillance
Position Forth Ports as a strategic, resilient multi-port platform, reducing reliance on single hubs and enabling faster access to the North Sea and High North
Represent Forth Ports at formal naval events, conferences, and networking opportunities, promoting the company as a long-term defence partner
Strategic Responsibilities:
Map and optimise current operations, including leased berths, warehousing, and support facilities
Identify opportunities to expand services or infrastructure in response to evolving defence requirements
Monitor policy direction and emerging defence trends to inform strategic decisions
Provide regular updates to the Commercial Director on operational developments, opportunities, and stakeholder engagement
Lead the design and delivery of a 5-year plan to grow Forth Ports’ defence business
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in a logistics-focused role within the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or defence-related sectors
Strong understanding of naval operations, UK defence policy, and MoD requirements
Excellent commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to identify and convert opportunities
A confident ambassador, capable of representing Forth Ports at senior industry, naval, and government forums
Ideally degree-educated, with substantial experience in defence or complex maritime operations
Our Commitment
Safety, sustainability, and collaboration define everything we do. We are building a zero-harm culture while supporting national resilience and strategic defence capabilities.
What Forth Ports can offer you:
Competitive salary with regular reviews
Bonus scheme
Generous annual leave entitlement
Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance
Health and wellbeing initiatives, including EAP, occupational health services, and discounted gym memberships
Cycle to Work scheme and on-site parking
Family-friendly policies and employee discount platform across UK-wide services
Be Part of Scotland’s Defence Future
This is your chance to join a forward-looking team at one of the UK’s most strategically important ports. Play a central role in shaping naval operations, supporting national resilience, and driving growth across Scotland’s defence infrastructure.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Proven experience in a logistics-focused role within the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or defence-related sectors
- Strong understanding of naval operations, UK defence policy, and MoD requirements
- A confident ambassador, capable of representing Forth Ports at senior industry, naval, and government forums
- Full UK working rights and UK driving license
Forth Ports Group
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Our benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance. Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.