At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and secure contracts in the UK defence sector with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Company: Join a pioneering deeptech startup revolutionising defence operations with real-time AI.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with opportunities to engage in live military exercises.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in defence, making a significant impact on military operations.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in defence sales with a strong track record in complex deal closures.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Alta Ares
Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations (ISR, C-UAS). Our primary clients are NATO-aligned militaries, with regular deployments during live exercises. Raised €2M pre-seed in May 2025.
Products include:
- Real-time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms
- Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models
- Data fusion and trajectory prediction
- Counter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS-denied environment
Location: UK-based (UK), mobility required
Reports to: CEO and Executive Board/Comex
Position objective: Drive Alta Ares' commercial expansion across the United Kingdom by securing defense contracts, building relationships with procurement agencies, and positioning Alta Ares as a category-defining leader in AI-enabled defense systems. We are looking for a high-performance sales leader with a strong background in the defense industry, ideally with experience in neoprimes or advanced defense tech companies.
Contract: CDI (permanent contract)
Role & Mission
Defense Sales & Business Development- Own the sales pipeline across UK MOD, procurement agencies, and armed forces
- Lead qualification, opportunity shaping, proposal management, and contract negotiations
- Identify and drive multi-million programs across ISR, C-UAS, autonomy, and AI
- Establish a repeatable sales motion with clear forecasting and metrics
- Convert tactical demos and pilot deployments into scalable contracts
- Build trusted relationships with military users, procurement officers, and program managers
- Engage with primes, neoprimes, integrators, and defense engineering firms
- Develop and manage channel partnerships where relevant
- Conduct regular on-site visits, field demos, and customer workshops across Europe
- Map European defense markets: budgets, procurement cycles, capability gaps
- Shape requirements for upcoming tenders and influence capability roadmaps
- Provide competitive intelligence and product feedback to engineering & founders
- Support localization strategies for key European countries
- Work closely with Engineering, Product, and Operations teams to align demos, deployments, and delivery
- Help refine pricing strategy, sales collateral, and customer-facing documentation
- Contribute to showcasing Alta Ares at major defense exhibitions (Eurosatory, DSEI, MSPO, IDEX, etc.)
Requirements
Candidate profile- 5-10 years of experience in defense sales, business development, capture management, or program engagement
- Strong track record selling to MODs, procurement agencies, or armed forces
- Experience in defense tech companies, primes, or ideally neoprimes (e.g., Anduril, Helsing, Palantir, Shield AI, or equivalent)
- Deep understanding of defense procurement cycles and bidding processes
- Demonstrated ability to close complex deals in multi-stakeholder environments
- Experience working with drones, C-UAS, ISR, AI autonomy, or adjacent systems is a major plus
- Strong hunter profile with resilience and deal-making mindset
- Ability to translate technical capabilities into operational value
- Excellent relationship-building with military and technical stakeholders
- High integrity, discretion, and understanding of security culture
- Entrepreneurial spirit: able to operate in fast-moving, resource-efficient environments
- Bilingual English + another European language (French strongly preferred)
- Experience in a neoprime or high-growth defense startup
- Experience in NATO procurement or European Defence Fund (EDF) programs
- Former military service (officer or NCO)
- Knowledge of operational C-UAS, ISR, or AI workflows
- Existing network inside European MODs and procurement bodies
- Ability to support deployments and demos in live environments
Defense Sales (UK) H/F employer: Alta Ares
At Alta Ares, we pride ourselves on being a pioneering deeptech startup at the forefront of AI for defense operations. Our dynamic work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing employees with unique opportunities to grow within a rapidly evolving industry. With a focus on meaningful contributions to national security and a commitment to employee development, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the defense sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defense Sales (UK) H/F
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the defence industry. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in defence sales and tech. Share specific examples of how you've closed deals or built partnerships in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies like Alta Ares directly through our website. Express your interest and share how you can contribute to their mission in AI-enabled defence systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by understanding the defence procurement cycles and current trends in the industry. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the needs of military users and procurement agencies. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Defense Sales (UK) H/F
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role at Alta Ares. Highlight your experience in defense sales and any relevant tech background. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about defense tech and how you can drive our commercial expansion. Be genuine and let your personality shine through – we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements that relate to the defense industry. Mention specific contracts you've secured or relationships you've built – this will help us see your potential impact at Alta Ares.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alta Ares
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Alta Ares' products and the defence industry. Brush up on real-time AI, ISR, and C-UAS solutions. Being able to discuss how these technologies can impact military operations will show your expertise and enthusiasm.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with military users and procurement officers, practice how you would establish trust and rapport. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships in high-stakes environments.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy
Prepare to discuss your approach to driving sales in the defence sector. Be ready to share specific strategies you've used to secure contracts and how you would apply them at Alta Ares. Highlight any experience with multi-million programmes or complex deal closures.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your technical knowledge, especially around drones, AI autonomy, and defence procurement cycles. Prepare to explain how you can translate technical capabilities into operational value for clients, as this is crucial for the role.
