Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Simon Cooper is an accomplished Business Development Director with extensive expertise in the UK defence sector. He brings a wealth of experience spanning various leadership roles across renowned defense and aerospace organizations. Cooper's strategic focus and industry-specific knowledge have enabled him to drive significant business growth and operational success.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Business Development Director - UK Defence Sector at QinetiQ, Cooper is responsible for leading the company's business development initiatives within the UK defence market. In this role, he oversees the identification, pursuit, and acquisition of new business opportunities, leveraging his deep understanding of the sector's unique requirements and decision-making processes. Under his leadership, QinetiQ has successfully secured several high-profile defense contracts, contributing to the company's overall growth and market positioning.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Cooper held senior business development and operations positions at leading defense companies, including Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Selex ES Ltd, and SELEX Galileo. In these roles, he demonstrated exceptional strategic planning and execution capabilities, driving the expansion of international operations and the successful delivery of complex defense systems and solutions. His consistent track record of exceeding sales targets and securing multi-million-pound contracts has earned him a reputation as a highly effective and results-oriented leader within the industry.
Academic Background
Cooper holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Manchester, where he graduated with honors. His technical expertise, combined with his business acumen, has enabled him to bridge the gap between engineering and commercial operations, allowing him to develop innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the defense sector.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic business development and bid management
- Defense industry knowledge and regulatory compliance
- International sales and operations management
- Collaborative partnership and stakeholder engagement
- Technical expertise in electronic warfare (EW) systems
- Project management and program delivery
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Cooper has played a pivotal role in the successful deployment of several high-profile defense projects, contributing to the enhancement of military capabilities and national security. His ability to navigate complex procurement processes, forge strong industry relationships, and deliver innovative solutions has cemented his reputation as a trusted advisor and respected leader within the UK defense sector.
Conclusion
With a proven track record of driving business growth and operational excellence, Simon Cooper is poised to continue his successful career trajectory. His deep industry expertise, strong leadership skills, and commitment to delivering measurable results make him a valuable asset to any organization in the defense and aerospace industry.
