Business Development Lead – Defence

Bharat Forge Kilsta

Bharat Forge Kilsta (BFK) has spent decades delivering precision-forged components to the world’s leading automotive OEMs. Now, the company is applying that same industrial capability to a new market: the defence sector.

To lead this journey, we are now seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Lead – Defence to join the team.

About Bharat Forge Kilsta

BFK is a precision forging company based in Karlskoga, Sweden, with approximately 300 employees and annual revenues of around SEK 1 billion. Part of the global Bharat Forge Group – the world’s largest forging conglomerate headquartered in India – BFK brings together unique industrial capabilities, including some of the most powerful forging presses in the world.

For decades, BFK has delivered zero-defect components to leading automotive OEMs. We now apply that same rigour and industrial precision to the defence sector, targeting high-demand products and precision-forged defence components.

The Role

This is a newly created, senior-level position reporting directly to the CEO. As Business Development Lead – Defence, you will be the primary commercial driver of BFK’s defence expansion, responsible for identifying, pursuing and closing significant contracts in the Nordic and broader European defence market.

The role could be based in Stockholm or in another location close to the customer base with regular travel to Karlskoga and to key customers and partners across the Swedish and Nordic region and internationally, including regular engagement with BFK’s parent organisation in India.

Key Responsibilities

Drive and close defence business – identifying and converting opportunities into long-term contracts with defence OEMs and government procurement bodies
Develop and manage relationships with priority customers, as well as defence procurement authorities
Build a deep understanding of BFK’s production capabilities, supply chain and capacity – including the group’s operations in India – to effectively position the company in complex defence tenders
Act as an important interface between BFK and the Bharat Forge Group leadership, building trust and alignment on the defence growth strategy
Monitor the Swedish and Nordic defence landscape, identifying emerging opportunities and shaping BFK’s market positioning accordingly
Represent BFK at industry forums, trade organisations and customer events across the Nordic region

Your Profile

We are looking for a senior commercial leader with a genuine passion for industrial business development and a strong track record of winning complex, long-cycle business. You bring credibility at the highest levels – with customers, procurement authorities and within a global industrial group.

We believe you have:

An educational background combining technical and commercial competence
Significant experience in senior business development, sales or commercial leadership roles within industrial manufacturing
A proven ability to build relationships and close business in environments with long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders
Strong understanding of the Nordic defence ecosystem, including OEM and procurement authority dynamics – or a clear and credible path to acquiring it
Experience working within or alongside international industrial groups, with an appreciation for cross-cultural business relationships
Excellent communication skills in Swedish and English

It is a merit if you have:

Direct experience from the defence industry
Established relationships with defence procurement authorities

What We Offer

This is a rare opportunity to shape a company’s strategic direction from the ground up – with genuine executive support, a compelling industrial story and the backing of a global group. You will have significant autonomy and the mandate to build something of lasting value in one of Europe’s fastest-growing defence markets.

A pivotal role in BFK’s defence transformation, with direct access to the CEO
A dynamic, entrepreneurial environment within a stable and well-capitalised industrial group