At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in the defence sector and drive high-performance sales teams.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on shaping partnerships in the defence industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission potential, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible location across the UK with opportunities for personal and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-critical sector while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in B2B, ideally within Defence or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This is more than a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to shape the future of partnerships in the defence sector at a strategic level. We are seeking a commercially driven and strategically focused Head of Sector to lead growth across one of our most critical markets - Defence. Operating at the heart of a fast‑moving and highly complex environment, you will define and deliver the commercial strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth, strengthens margins, and creates lasting customer value. From influencing key defence stakeholders to aligning sales, supply chain, and operational delivery, you will own sector performance end‑to‑end. This role demands a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence — someone who can position our business as a trusted strategic partner while ensuring exceptional customer service at every stage. If you thrive on building high‑impact relationships, leading cross‑functional teams, and delivering results in a mission‑critical sector, this is your chance to make a real impact. The role will involve national travel to customer sites with several direct reports and a wider team spread across the UK. Therefore, our new Head of Sector can be based anywhere in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivering sector revenue, margin, and pipeline targets through data‑led growth plans
- Building and leading a high‑performing sales team, coaching and developing National Account Managers to maximise commercial impact, accountability, and engagement.
- Driving high‑performance culture, coaching teams to maximise commercial impact
- Building and converting strategic pipelines, ensuring forecast accuracy and governance discipline
- Leading cross‑functional execution across sales, operations, and supply chain
- Developing contract structures and pricing models, balancing competitiveness and profitability
- Embedding commercial controls to protect revenue, margin, and contract compliance
- Strengthening vendor and partner relationships to unlock incremental value
- Championing strategic customer engagement and consistent delivery excellence
Benefits
- A competitive starting salary plus circa 25% OTE in potential commission and a car/ car allowance!
- 32 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
- Opportunity to purchase 5 additional days annual leave each calendar year (subject to qualifying salary)
- 2 fully paid Community Volunteering days every year
- An excellent pension (up to 8% Arco contribution) and x4 Life Assurance scheme
- A huge range of discounts to help with cost of living via Perkbox plus Employee Discount on Arco products
- Free, 24‑hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Health Cash Plan where we’ll reimburse up to 100% of everyday healthcare costs
- Access to our Learning Management System, to support your personal and career development
- Long‑term service awards – we’ve proud to have employees who have worked for us for 40 years
Qualifications
- Senior commercial leadership experience in B2B, ideally Defence, H&S, or PPE sectors
- Proven delivery of profitable growth, margin improvement, and target achievement
- Strong track record in sector strategy development and pipeline conversion
- Experience leading high‑performing teams and influencing in matrix environments
- Expertise in contracting, pricing strategy, and commercial governance
- Understanding of defence procurement frameworks and customer requirements
- Experience aligning commercial delivery with S&OP and operational capability
Head of Sector Sales - Defence employer: ARCO Limited
Join a forward-thinking company that values strategic leadership and innovation in the defence sector. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong focus on employee development, we foster a high-performance culture where your contributions are recognised and rewarded. Our commitment to community engagement and employee well-being, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, makes us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sector Sales - Defence
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry leaders, make sure to highlight your experience in driving growth and leading teams. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles — it’s all about demonstrating your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its position in the defence market. Understand their challenges and think about how you can help them overcome these. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sector Sales - Defence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Sector Sales - Defence role. Highlight your experience in B2B sales, especially in the defence sector, and showcase how you've driven profitable growth and built high-performing teams.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision:In your application, emphasise your ability to develop and execute commercial strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've influenced key stakeholders and delivered results in complex environments.
Highlight Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share experiences where you've coached and developed teams, driving a high-performance culture. Mention any cross-functional collaboration you've led to achieve business objectives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of partnerships in the defence sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARCO Limited
✨Know Your Sector Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence sector. Understand current trends, key players, and challenges. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive growth and build relationships in this complex environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've coached and developed team members in the past, and how you plan to foster a high-performance culture in this new role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in sales or operations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the company's values and mission. During the interview, highlight how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding customer engagement and delivering excellence. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits their culture.
