At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead defence sales activities and manage relationships in the aerospace sector.
- Company: Join an innovative aerospace company focused on reducing carbon emissions.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid work, early finishes, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic, values-driven environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while contributing to a sustainable mission.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales processes and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 € per year.
Aeropeople have partnered with a privately-held Aerospace OEM company who are now looking to hire a Defence Sales Manager to join their team. The role will be hybrid working, with an expectation to be on site no more than 1 day per week at their site in Bedford but this can be negotiated.
The company’s first production aircraft will deliver up to a 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to other aircraft, before attaining zero emissions by 2030. The aircraft is expected to be in flight from 2026 and in service from 2028 (capable of carrying up to 100 passengers or 10 tonnes in weight). As an aviation technology company one of their main core values is innovation and they have a genuine focus on being the best at all they do to positively impact their aircraft designs today and for the future. Joining their team means contributing to an innovative, values-driven organisation while learning, growing, and helping shape the future of aviation.
The Defence Sales Manager role is a unique opportunity to support their growth and expansion. This is a hands-on, delivery focused role- you will manage and progress sales activity in the defence and security sectors within markets including the UK, EU and US, maintaining and developing relationships, progressing commercial agreements across a range of customers. Due to the nature of the role, applicants selected for interview must be eligible to obtain and hold appropriate UK security clearance, if required.
Main Responsibilities:
- Drawing upon your knowledge of working in aerospace, defence or government contracting markets, you will coordinate and lead sales activities and develop a disciplined, structured and repeatable approach to campaign management.
- Manage Defence sales activity: Oversee daily sales activities in the UK, EU and US defence markets, progressing opportunities from initial enquiry through to contract closure, while supporting and coordinating with geographically dispersed sales personnel.
- Sales enquiries and CRM stewardship: Maintain accurate records of defence sales opportunities in the CRM system, categorising and prioritising them appropriately. Act as the custodian of defence related sales data to support reporting, pipeline management, and team collaboration.
- Internal collaboration: Work closely with the Marketing team on campaign planning, coordination and CRM management updates. Coordinate with internal teams to identify and attend defence and security-focused events, exhibitions and trade shows that are likely to generate leads or strengthen existing relationships.
- Customer account management: Maintain regular engagement with new and existing defence and security customers, building strong, value-driven relationships and supporting repeat business.
- Feedback and continuous improvement: Document and act upon defence customer and market feedback to support product development, enhancement or refinement and commercial success.
Benefits:
- Negotiable basic salary dependent upon experience
- Flexible working hours
- Early finish on Fridays at 12.45pm
- Hybrid working- 1 day per week on site
- Company pension scheme with Royal London
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Life Assurance x 4 salary
- Private Medical Insurance scheme
- Health Cash Plan including discounts
- Employee assistance programme 24/7
- Onsite, free parking
About You:
- Ability to coordinate the full sales process, using a CRM to maintain and develop sales pipelines, applying lead generation and qualification methodologies to support consistent progress.
- Strong communication and organisation skills with the ability to translate detailed technical or product information into clear, engaging discussions with defence and security customers.
- Experience in supporting or undertaking people management, or willingness to develop in a line management capacity.
- Experience contributing to end-to-end sales processes, including pipeline development, opportunity qualification and tracking, contract negotiation, and contract progression.
- Familiarity with working within structured sales methodologies and campaign-based sales processes.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to sales, business development, defence, security or aviation.
- You are a commercially focused professional with experience managing complex and detailed sales environments.
- You are comfortable working within structured sales processes and will evaluate, prioritise and progress opportunities to ensure resources are focused on high-value prospects that have the greatest impact on business growth.
- You work collaboratively across teams and bring a strong commitment to upholding organisational values while contributing directly to commercial growth.
About Aeropeople:
Whether you’re looking for your next job or searching out the next superstar to join your team… Aeropeople’s expertise and experience is entrenched in the aerospace, aviation, engineering, motorsport, automotive, and defence industries. We have the insight and know-how at both a local and international level to help bring people and businesses together, saving time and energy. Our capability is validated through our Engineering Services division specifically our Aircraft Line Maintenance services as well as our Aircraft Tooling Leasing service.
During registration, please let us know where you are currently located or which locations you would consider taking a position in, required salary and notice period.
For the latest news, events and jobs please search ‘Aeropeople Ltd’ on LinkedIn and Facebook for our latest jobs.
Defence Sales Manager in Bedford employer: Aeropeople Limited
Aeropeople is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a pioneering aerospace company focused on innovation and sustainability. With a flexible hybrid working model, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, you will be part of a team dedicated to shaping the future of aviation while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in Bedford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Defence Sales Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to innovate and reduce carbon emissions in aviation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs in managing sales activities across the UK, EU, and US markets. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and drive commercial success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Defence Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in aerospace, defence, or government contracting markets, and showcase how your skills align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our innovative team. Don't forget to mention your familiarity with structured sales methodologies!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage sales processes and build strong customer relationships. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aeropeople Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the aerospace and defence sectors. Understand the company's innovative aircraft and their impact on carbon emissions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with sales processes, especially in defence and security markets. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed sales pipelines and closed deals, as this is crucial for the Defence Sales Manager position.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to collaborate with different teams, especially marketing and CRM management. Discuss how you've worked with others to achieve common goals, as this role requires strong internal collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's future projects and how they plan to maintain their innovative edge. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.
