At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in the defence sector and drive high-performance sales teams.
- Company: Join a leading company shaping partnerships in the defence industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible location across the UK with opportunities for national travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-critical sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience in B2B, ideally within Defence or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About The Role
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 in Hull employer: ARCO Limited
As a leading player in the defence sector, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-performance culture and prioritises employee development. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to community engagement, we offer a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Our flexible working arrangements across the UK ensure that you can balance your career with your lifestyle while making a significant impact in a mission-critical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sector Sales - Defence in Hull
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Head of Sector Sales - Defence at ARCO Limited, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including ARCO Limited. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sector Sales - Defence. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sector Sales - Defence in Hull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for ARCO Limited:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for ARCO Limited. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARCO Limited
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show ARCO Limited that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show ARCO Limited that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with ARCO Limited’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
