At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and secure defense contracts for cutting-edge AI solutions.
- Company: Join a pioneering deeptech startup revolutionising defence operations.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to engage with military and tech stakeholders.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI in defence and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in defense sales with a strong track record.
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
Customer & Partner Relationships
- 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
Market Expansion & Strategic Development
- 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
Cross-functional Collaboration
- 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
Skills & Qualities
- 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)
Nice to Have
- 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 in London employer: Alta Ares
At Alta Ares, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the defence sector. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead cutting-edge projects in AI and ISR technologies, all while working in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join us in the UK, where you can make a meaningful impact on national security while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a strong sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defense Sales UK - H/F in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the defence industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a killer pitch that highlights your experience in defence sales and how you can drive results for Alta Ares. Tailor your message to resonate with their mission and values, making it clear why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the hiring team at Alta Ares through our website. Express your interest and share how your skills align with their goals. It shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand the defence landscape and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth. Practice common interview questions and have examples ready that demonstrate your success in similar roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Defense Sales UK - H/F in London
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 in AI-enabled defense systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about defense tech and how you can drive our commercial expansion. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Network:If you've got connections in the defense industry, let us know! Mention any relationships with military users or procurement agencies that could help us grow. We love seeing candidates who can leverage their network for success.
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 technologies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves engaging with military users and procurement officers, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built trust and rapport in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Sales Strategy
Be ready to discuss your approach to driving sales in complex environments. Highlight your experience with multi-million contracts and how you’ve navigated the defence procurement cycles. This will help them see you as a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your technical knowledge, especially around drones and AI autonomy. Be prepared to explain how you can translate technical capabilities into operational value for clients. This will be key in showcasing your fit for the role.
