At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead government sales and business development in the innovative Stratospace sector.
- Company: Join AALTO, a pioneering Airbus subsidiary transforming aerospace with solar-powered technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; engage with us to explore opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape international growth in a dynamic industry while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven success in government sales and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace, is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr. Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time, with a current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation. AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace, where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters, and connect unconnected communities.
We are seeking an experienced Government Sales Director to lead business development, sales, and relationship management within the global government and defence sectors. Leveraging deep industry knowledge and a strong network, you will identify and secure new opportunities, and drive revenue growth. This role requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Responsibilities include:
- Business Development & Strategic Growth: Lead business development in the government, defence, and telecom sectors, strengthening key relationships with the UK Ministry of Defence and other civil government entities while expanding engagements across strategic accounts.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline aligned with the 2026–2027 Five Eyes + Friends strategy, ensuring growth capacity matches demand.
- Drive 2027-2028 flight proposal efforts, leading them to successful contract signatures.
- Identify upcoming projects and oversee bid preparation, including cost estimation, tender development, and presentations.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
- Support Airbus US and contribute to the US DoW programme build, ensuring strategic alignment and opportunity development.
- Strengthen relationships and drive bids within the wider Airbus ecosystem, coordinating efforts for business growth.
- Represent the company at international forums and in customer presentations, positioning the company as an industry leader.
Operational & Compliance Support:
- Support the PMO and Legal/Compliance teams, ensuring that all processes align with industry regulations and company policies.
- Monitor and track the sales pipeline, preparing monthly sales process presentations for leadership review.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Proven success in business development with a strong track record in securing government and defence contracts.
- Deep understanding of the global government and defence sectors.
- Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to engage and influence key stakeholders.
- Strategic and analytical thinker, with an innovative approach to business growth.
- Bid management experience, including cost estimation, tender preparation, and contract negotiations.
- Security cleared with experience in defence and compliance processes.
This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to shape international growth in a dynamic and evolving industry. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for driving success, we encourage you to apply!
In addition to an attractive market-aligned salary, we offer:
- Rewarding Excellence: Benefit from our short-term incentive plan that rewards your hard work and dedication.
- Enjoy Your Time Off: Benefit from 25 days of holiday to relax and recharge.
- Stay Healthy: We’ve got your health covered with private medical insurance, along with dental and optical cash back.
- Secure Your Future: Take advantage of our personal pension plan to ensure a comfortable retirement.
- Peace of Mind: Our income protection and life assurance schemes are there to support you when you need it most.
- Getting around: Drive the latest vehicles with our discounted salary sacrifice scheme.
- We Care About You: Our employee assistance programme is always available to provide the support you need.
- Perks Galore: Enjoy a range of employee discounts via Perkbox, from household goods to travel!
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at AALTO, you can register your details here.
Government Sales Director in Orpington employer: AALTO HAPS
AALTO, located in Farnborough, is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the aerospace industry. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including private medical insurance, a personal pension plan, and generous holiday allowances, ensuring our team members are well-supported both professionally and personally. Join us in shaping the future of Stratospace, where your contributions will be valued and your career can soar to new heights.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Government Sales Director in Orpington
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with AALTO HAPS for a Government Sales Director. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Government Sales Director in Orpington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at AALTO HAPS, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At AALTO HAPS, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at AALTO HAPS
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with AALTO HAPS.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with AALTO HAPS. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like AALTO HAPS love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
