At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial expansion in the UK defence sector and secure key contracts.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge deeptech startup revolutionising AI for defence operations.
- Benefits: Permanent contract with opportunities for growth and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with top-tier teams and showcase innovations at major defence exhibitions.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI technology in defence, making a real impact.
- 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
- Counter‑UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover under GNSS‑denied environment
- Full‑stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military‑grade AI models
- Data fusion and trajectory prediction
Position details
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.)
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: Altaares
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 relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people who work at companies you admire. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! If you’ve got experience in defence tech or sales, make sure to highlight it in conversations. Share insights on current trends or challenges in the industry. This not only positions you as knowledgeable but also makes you memorable to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like ISR and C-UAS. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can drive our mission forward. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
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. Highlight your experience in defense sales and any relevant tech knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about defense tech and how you can help us drive commercial expansion. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase your experience with MODs and procurement agencies. We love seeing examples of how you've closed complex deals in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altaares
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Alta Ares' products and how they fit into the defence landscape. Brush up on real-time AI, ISR, and C-UAS technologies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Try to connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or through industry events. Having insights from insiders can give you an edge in understanding the company culture and expectations, plus it shows initiative!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex sales situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated multi-stakeholder environments or closed challenging deals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Show Your Passion for Defence Tech
Express your enthusiasm for working in the defence sector and how you can contribute to Alta Ares' mission. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to advancing defence technology and your understanding of procurement cycles.
