Job Description

Job Title: Country Director - Bahrain and Kuwait Location: Kuwait or Bahrain. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements - please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role. Grade: GG15 You're expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development. We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager. If you don't feel you can talk to your Line Manager, you can contact your HRBP. PLEASE NOTE: Should you be invited for interview, you will be giving consent for the Recruitment Team to contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

What you'll be doing: Lead BAE Systems interests in Bahrain and Kuwait, focusing on securing new business and representing the Company to key stakeholders in these markets Build and maintain senior-level relationships with customers, government officials, and key influencers to enhance trust, reputation, and business opportunities for BAE Systems Develop and implement strategic market plans, including industrialisation and offset strategies, to increase the likelihood of winning business and maximising margins Support and guide Sector Business Development teams in identifying, creating, and maturing new business opportunities, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives Act as the primary customer interface during capture phases, advocating for customer needs and ensuring that customer viewpoints are integrated into the proposal and solution development processes Coordinate across sectors to share best practices and market intelligence, ensuring a unified approach to business winning activities Manage the development and execution of marketing strategies in coordination with the METNA Communications Director, promoting BAE Systems' brand and capabilities in key events and exhibitions Maintain compliance with governance requirements in all business-winning activities and provide regular reports on market developments, opportunities, and operational frameworks Your skills and experiences: Essential Extensive experience in Business Winning, with a deep understanding of industry best practices, processes, and strategies, developed within the defence sector Proven ability to identify, initiate, and develop new business opportunities, steering them to a decisive pursue/stop point Demonstrated expertise in engaging senior stakeholders, particularly customers, with the ability to cultivate and maintain mutually beneficial relationships Desirable Advantageous to have proficiency in the Arabic language Experience with government defence acquisition agencies, including those in the UK, US, and internationally, would be beneficial The Business Development Team: Reporting to the Regional Managing Director, in this pivotal role, you will drive profitable growth across the Kuwait and Bahrain defence markets. Ideally based locally, you will work remotely, providing on-the-ground leadership and leveraging your in-depth local knowledge to support our business lines. Your responsibilities will include coordinating engagements, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating local business practices and culture. Representing BAE Systems independently, you will be a key player in a high-growth market, supported by a leading international team. This role requires a self-starting, proactive individual with proven experience in the defence market, a solid grasp of the Middle East & North Africa industrial landscape, and the ability to engage effectively with external stakeholders. Travel will be necessary for client engagements. If you are ambitious, proactive, and have a strong network in the defence industry, we encourage you to apply and make a significant impact in representing a global organisation. Why BAE Systems? This is a place where you'll be able to make a real difference. You'll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you'll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer. Please be aware that many roles working for BAE Systems will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.