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- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and drive high-value automation opportunities in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Applied Automation, a leading UK engineering firm focused on bespoke automation solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of automation sales while making a real impact in diverse industries.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in automation or complex engineered systems.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a focus on innovation and customer engagement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Applied Automation is a leading UK-based engineering company specialising in the design and build of special-purpose automation solutions. Through an innovative and collaborative approach, we deliver technically advanced, bespoke automation systems to customers across a wide range of industries.
We are currently seeking a Head of Sales – Automation to take a senior leadership role within the business. This position is central to driving the commercial performance of our Automation division and shaping the future direction of our sales function. The role combines sales leadership, strategic commercial ownership, and hands-on involvement in high-value, technically complex automation opportunities. You will lead the sales and applications team, work closely with Engineering and ensure the business focuses on well-qualified, profitable, and deliverable work.
Applied Automation operates a 4-day working week, reflecting our commitment to productivity, balance, and sustainable performance, while continuing to deliver high-quality engineering solutions to our customers.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Sales - Automation is responsible for developing and executing the sales strategy, leading the sales and applications team, and owning and supporting the division’s most significant commercial opportunities. The role exists to bring focus, discipline, and credibility to the front end of the business — ensuring high-value enquiries are correctly qualified, commercially robust, and aligned with engineering and delivery capability. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role that sits on the divisional Senior Management Team and carries senior accountability for sales performance, with direct involvement in strategic bids, customer engagement, and senior decision-making.
Division: Engineering Solutions
Location: Plymouth
Job Type: Full-time
Working Hours: 36.00
Closing date: 28/2/26
Roles & Responsibilities
- Sales Leadership & Performance
- Develop and execute the sales strategy for the Automation / Engineering Solutions division
- Lead, manage, and develop the sales and applications team.
- Drive order intake in line with divisional targets, with focus on margin quality and risk
- Ensure sales forecasts are accurate, credible, and trusted at SMT level
- Enquiry & Bid Ownership
- Lead high-value and strategically important automation enquiries from early engagement through to order placement
- Ensure enquiries are correctly qualified before significant engineering effort is committed
- Take ownership of the commercial quality, consistency, and governance of sales proposals
- Review and challenge concepts, costings, and proposal documents
- Reduce poorly qualified quoting and focus the team on the right opportunities
- Pipeline, Process & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure the health, structure, and focus of the sales pipeline
- Improve quote conversion through better qualification, positioning, and pricing discipline
- Drive continual improvement of sales processes and tools
- Ensure consistent use of CRM / Workflow systems and accurate reporting
- Collaboration & Handover
- Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing to ensure sales commitments are deliverable
- Improve front-end specification capture and clarity
- Ensure structured and effective handovers from the sales team to Project Delivery
- Customer & Market Engagement
- Build strong, senior-level customer relationships
- Represent the business at key customer meetings and industry events
- Provide market feedback to support development of standard platforms and future offerings
Requirements
- Exposure to standard or modular machine platforms
- Knowledge of CRM or sales management systems
- Experience in the Life Science (MedTech) & Automotive Industries.
- Experience contributing to marketing activity, including market positioning, customer engagement, trade shows, or supporting brand visibility in relevant markets
- Engineering or technical background within automation, controls, or systems integration
- Proven experience in senior sales or commercial leadership within automation, special purpose machinery, or complex engineered systems
- Experience leading, managing, or developing a sales and/or applications engineering team
- Experience reviewing concepts, costings, and proposal documents
- Track record of leading and securing high-value capital equipment opportunities
- Strong commercial judgement with the ability to prioritise, challenge, and make accountable decisions
- Confidence operating at senior customer and executive level, with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
Head of Sales - Automation in Plymouth employer: Applied Automation
Contact Detail:
Applied Automation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales - Automation in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Sales role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in automation and sales leadership. Share specific examples of how you've driven success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Applied Automation thoroughly. Understand their products, market position, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the exciting work at Applied Automation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales - Automation in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sales - Automation role. Highlight your experience in sales leadership and any relevant technical background in automation or engineering solutions. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in sales and how you can drive our commercial performance at Applied Automation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a team. In your application, be sure to highlight your experience in leading sales teams and driving results. We want to know how you’ve motivated others to achieve their goals!
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 at Applied Automation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applied Automation
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation systems and engineering solutions. Be ready to discuss specific technologies and methodologies that Applied Automation uses, as well as how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Sales, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed sales teams in the past, focusing on your strategic approach and how you’ve driven performance.
✨Understand Their Market
Research the Life Science and Automotive industries, as these are key areas for Applied Automation. Be prepared to discuss market trends and how you can leverage your experience to enhance their sales strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement. Think of scenarios where you've had to qualify leads or manage high-value bids, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
