At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead government sales and business development in the defence sector.
- Company: Join AALTO, a pioneering Airbus subsidiary in Stratospace technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a competitive pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value your well-being and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape international growth in a dynamic aerospace industry with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Proven success in securing government contracts and excellent relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace.
Based in Farnborough, AALTO 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.
Its 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.
This is 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.
Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace.
You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO.
Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced
Government Sales Director to lead business development, sales, and relationship management within the global government and defence.
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 To Include
- Lead business development in the government, defence, and telecom sectors, strengthening key relationships with UK Ministry of Defence, other civil government entities and expanding engagements across strategic accounts.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline aligned with 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 Do W 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.
- 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!
Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role?
Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances?
Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution.
So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?
At AALTO, we take pride in building and offering an exceptional work environment that values your well-being and rewards your dedication.
We believe in recognising your hard work and commitment, which is why we provide a fantastic bonus scheme that rewards your contributions.
Additionally, we understand the importance of financial security and support your future with a competitive pension plan.
When you join us, you become part of a workplace that not only encourages your professional growth but also cares about your personal fulfilment and financial stability.
AALTO is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Government Sales Director in Farnborough employer: AALTO
AALTO HAPS Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment where employees can thrive in their careers. With a strong focus on professional growth, competitive benefits including a flexible work schedule and a pension plan, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AALTO fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. Located at the forefront of aerospace technology, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects that redefine connectivity in the stratosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Government Sales Director in Farnborough
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like AALTO, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like AALTO and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Government Sales Director in Farnborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for AALTO and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at AALTO
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with AALTO, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for AALTO.