At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new business in the Defence sector and build key relationships.
- Company: Market-leading engineering group with a focus on fluid control and power solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, pension, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape a new vertical in a fast-growing market with industry-leading support.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical sales within the Defence sector and strong relationship-building skills.
Location: UK-wide
Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + bonus + company car + benefits
Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
We are working on behalf of a market-leading UK engineering and distribution group specialising in fluid control and power solutions. With £112M+ annual turnover, 600 employees, and a national network of engineering centres, the business delivers high-performance hydraulic and pneumatic systems to major industries across the UK.
The company combines distribution scale with bespoke engineering capability, designing and manufacturing systems such as:
- Hydraulic power packs & cylinders
- High-pressure and filtration systems
- Valve assemblies & pipework
- Compressor and lubrication systems
With a strong footprint across aerospace, defence, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects (including high-profile UK installations), the business is now investing in significant growth within the Defence sector.
The Role – What You’ll Be Doing
This is a high-impact, strategic sales role focused on developing and expanding Defence sector revenue across the UK.
You will:
- Drive new business development targeting Tier 1 & Tier 2 defence contractors (e.g. prime contractors and supply chain partners)
- Build relationships across procurement, engineering, and technical stakeholders
- Win and manage projects involving hydraulic systems and components
- Develop a pipeline across Land, Sea, and Air defence programs
- Position the business as a key supply chain partner for both components and engineered solutions
- Collaborate with internal engineering teams to deliver tailored solutions
This is a true “build” role – you’ll have autonomy and the opportunity to create a strong presence in a rapidly growing sector.
Why Join?
- Join a fast-growing engineering group targeting £125M turnover
- Huge opportunity in a high-growth UK defence market
- Ability to shape and own a new vertical within the business
- Work with industry-leading manufacturers and technologies
- Strong internal engineering support and national infrastructure
What We’re Looking For
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- Proven experience in technical sales or business development within engineering
- Strong track record selling into the Defence sector (essential)
- Experience selling systems, components, or engineered solutions
- Ability to develop new business from scratch
- Confidence engaging with senior technical and procurement stakeholders
- Self-motivation, commercial awareness, and strong relationship-building skills
Package & Benefits
Basic salary: £55,000 – £75,000
- Group bonus scheme
- Company car (fully expensed)
- Pension
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Long-term career growth within a scaling organisation
ATA Recruitment are working exclusively with this client we will be conducting a short list starting today, we will conduct the 1st interview over the phone, and the successful candidates will then be forwarded to our client with our recommendation.
If you wish to be considered for this opportunity then please respond with your intention as we are looking to fill this role in the not-so-distant future, you will then be contacting by one of our Recruitment Consultant who will be able to provide more details.
Contact: Bav Patel Recruitment Consultant
ATA Recruitment specialises in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Civil, Transportation and general Engineering recruitment on both a permanent and contract basis – for more opportunities like this one, visit our website.
By applying you accept the terms of our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide employer: ATA Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing engineering group that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Defence sector in the UK. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and competitive benefits including a generous salary, bonus scheme, and company car, this role provides the perfect environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact. Experience the advantage of working with industry-leading technologies and a national network that fosters collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide
✨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. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with industry folks, make sure to highlight your experience in technical sales and business development. Share success stories that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and drive new business in the defence sector.
✨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 hydraulic systems and components. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch until it’s smooth as butter!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re serious about landing that Business Development Manager role in the defence sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager / Sales Manager - Defence Sector (UK Wide
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Business Development Manager in the Defence sector. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your track record in technical sales.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to showcase your passion for the Defence sector and how your previous experiences can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to business development and sales in engineering.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at ATA Recruitment
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence sector. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Technical Sales Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in technical sales or business development. Highlight projects where you've engaged with senior stakeholders and how you’ve driven new business, especially within the defence sector.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills during the interview. Perhaps mention how you've previously collaborated with engineering teams or built rapport with procurement stakeholders to win projects.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Tailored Solutions
Since this role involves delivering tailored solutions, come prepared with ideas on how you would approach this. Think about how you can leverage the company’s engineering capabilities to meet client needs in the defence sector.
