Business Development Manager, Defence

We are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager, Defense Meteorology to join the Flagship Business Unit (FBU) responsible for Vaisala’s Meteorology, Aviation, Defense Meteorology and Road Weather business, at Vaisala headquarters in Finland or at offices in the UK, France, or Germany. If you are driven to build robust customer relationships and navigate strategic initiatives and large-scale program opportunities, you are the one we are looking for!

Vaisala  is a global leader in measurement instruments and intelligence helping industries, nations, people, and the planet to thrive. From predicting hurricanes to optimizing renewable energy production, our technology is used where it matters the most – from data centers, windfarms and laboratories to airports, the Arctic and even the surface of Mars. Vaisala is recognized in TIME Magazine's World's Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2025 study. Our team of over 2,300 experts and 59 nationalities around the world is committed to taking every measure for the planet. Driven by our shared purpose, curiosity, and pioneering spirit, we stay ahead and make a difference. At Vaisala, you don't have to fit in to belong.

Why join us?

We are the global leader in weather, environmental, and industrial measurements, and we are looking for a leader to actively drive our existing business further into the defense meteorology space. Our success is built on decadal key account management relationships. You will be the Vaisala champion that carries our brand reputation forward, with responsibility for mapping the requirements for weather observations & systems in the defense domain, helping to define and roadmap our next generation of products and services. 

What's your role?

The Business Development Manager, for Defense Meteorology is responsible for driving sales growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion in the defense meteorology sector.

• Identify the existing and emerging needs for weather observations and information in Defense applications, and provide that information to our offering development pipeline as well-defined roadmap proposals
• Identify new business opportunities, develop sales strategies, and execute plans to expand the organization's footprint within the defense meteorology sector. 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.

• Conduct detailed research on defense meteorology trends, competitive landscape, and procurement cycles to inform business strategies. 

• Work closely with product teams to ensure meteorological solutions meet the specific needs of defense operations, including weather monitoring, forecasting, and hazard detection. 

• Coordinate with sales, engineering, marketing, and corporate leadership to align business strategies with overall company objectives. 

• Be the recognized Weather Enterprise brand ambassador for Vaisala at defense trade shows, industry conferences, and governmental meetings to promote brand awareness and thought leadership in defense meteorology. 
• Travel expectation up to 50%, willingness to travel globally

What will you bring?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Meteorology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong  experience in business or application development or strategic partnerships, preferably within the defense or aerospace sector. 

• Strong understanding of meteorological applications in defense, including weather monitoring systems, sensors, and forecasting technologies. Previous work experience in the defense sector is required, either as defense organization employee or from the private sector as supplier to defense sector.

• Familiarity with (defense) acquisition processes, including EU procurement regulations and (defense) contracting requirements.

• Proven track record of engaging with high-level decision-makers within government and defense sectors. 

• Strong ability to draft proposals, conduct presentations, and negotiate high-value deals. 

• Proficiency in CRM software (Salesforce, SAP preferred) is an advantage but not requirement, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Fluency in English.

For additional information, please contact the hiring manager, Vice President of Weather and Environment, Meteorology and Aviation, Panu Partanen at +358 4058 10202. Phone hours are available on Thursday, March 27, from 1 PM to 3 PM and Friday, March 28, from 1 PM to 2 PM (Eastern European Time).

Please note that applications sent via email cannot be processed due to privacy reasons.

Ready to take every measure for the planet? Apply at the latest on April 4, 2025 via the application form.