Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace
Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace

Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace

Derby Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial negotiations and manage relationships with major aerospace customers.
  • Company: Join a rapidly growing aerospace component repair specialist, a key supplier to Rolls Royce.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and significant career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team influencing business strategy in a cutting-edge industry.
  • Qualifications: Proven track record in B2B sales and complex contract management within regulated industries.
  • Other info: Work closely with senior stakeholders and engage in innovative aerospace technology.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We're delighted to be working with an exceptional aerospace component repair specialist that has achieved something truly remarkable - growing from £10 million to £30 million turnover in just three years. This isn't just growth; it's transformation. As a key supplier to Rolls Royce, our client sits at the heart of the aerospace industry, specialising in critical engine component repairs for the Trent fleet - from the 700 series through to the latest XWB engines.

Why is this opportunity special?

  • You'll be joining a company that has doubled its sales output and more than doubled its footprint in the last 18 months
  • Part of a tight-knit senior management team (6-7 people) where your voice genuinely matters
  • Real influence over business direction across all functions, not just commercial

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Commercial Excellence
  • Lead complex commercial negotiations with major aerospace customers
  • Navigate sophisticated contract structures, including Rolls Royce's unique contract accounting methodology
  • Renegotiate multi-year agreements, moving away from traditional 5-year fixed contracts
  • Manage pricing strategies that demonstrate repair value versus new component alternatives
  • Business Development
    • Develop new opportunities within the gas turbine sector (aerospace and industrial)
    • Work with customers who typically approach the company for their unique capabilities
    • Manage diverse sales cycles ranging from 2-3 months to over a year
    • Support regulatory approval processes for new customer programs
  • Strategic Relationship Management
    • Manage the complex relationship with Rolls Royce as both shareholder and primary customer (80% of business)
    • Work directly with Rolls Royce overhaul bases and senior stakeholders
    • Navigate board-level relationships with diplomacy and commercial acumen

    What We're Looking For

    • Essential Experience:
    • Proven commercial track record with complex negotiations and contract management
    • B2B sales experience within regulated industries (aerospace, defense, automotive, or similar high-stakes environments)
    • Large corporation experience - you understand how major companies think and operate
    • Demonstrable wins - we want to hear about your significant commercial successes with specific examples and values
  • What Would Make You Stand Out:
    • Experience working with Rolls Royce or similar tier-1 aerospace customers
    • Understanding of aerospace industry dynamics, regulations, and approval processes
    • Background in service-based selling rather than traditional product sales
    • Knowledge of repair versus OEM new commercial models
    • Experience with long-term contract structures and lifecycle management
  • Personal Qualities:
    • Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills
    • Strong analytical abilities to understand complex commercial structures
    • Comfortable working at board level with senior stakeholders
    • Collaborative approach - you'll thrive in a small, dynamic management team
    • Business acumen with ability to influence strategy beyond just commercial activities

    What's In It For You?

    • Exceptional Compensation:
    • Base Salary: Circa £80,000 (depending on experience)
    • Performance Bonus: 20% of base salary based on company performance
    • Bonus Potential: Can exceed 20% when the company outperforms targets
  • Career Development That Matters:
    • Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in shaping business strategy and direction
    • Cross-Functional Impact: Input on everything from HR policy to health & safety initiatives
    • Daily Leadership: Part of daily management meetings where every voice counts
    • Growth Trajectory: Significant advancement opportunities as the business continues its impressive expansion
  • Work Environment:
    • Small, collaborative management team where relationships matter
    • Direct access to GM and board-level strategic discussions
    • Involvement with cutting-edge aerospace technology and repair innovations
    • Partnership with one of the world's most prestigious engine manufacturers

    To Apply: Please apply via LinkedIn, visit our website or contact Kelly Fowler to find out more.

    Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace employer: EMBS Engineering

    Join a rapidly growing aerospace component repair specialist that has tripled its turnover in just three years, offering you the chance to make a real impact within a tight-knit senior management team. With exceptional compensation, significant career development opportunities, and direct involvement in shaping business strategy, this role provides a unique environment where your contributions are valued and recognised. Experience working with cutting-edge technology and prestigious clients like Rolls Royce, all while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation.
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    Contact Detail:

    EMBS Engineering Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the aerospace industry, particularly the dynamics and regulations surrounding it. Understanding how companies like Rolls Royce operate will give you an edge in discussions and negotiations.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the aerospace sector, especially those who have experience with tier-1 customers. Building relationships can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that could help you land the job.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your previous commercial successes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of complex negotiations you've led, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Showcase your collaborative approach during interviews. Emphasise your ability to work within a small management team and how you can contribute to shaping business strategy beyond just sales.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace

    Complex Negotiation Skills
    Contract Management
    B2B Sales Experience
    Understanding of Aerospace Industry Dynamics
    Regulatory Approval Processes
    Strategic Relationship Management
    Analytical Abilities
    Commercial Acumen
    Service-Based Selling
    Long-Term Contract Structures
    Lifecycle Management
    Board-Level Communication
    Collaboration Skills
    Influencing Strategy

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in B2B sales and complex negotiations, particularly within the aerospace or similar regulated industries. Use specific examples of your commercial successes to demonstrate your track record.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the aerospace industry and your ability to manage relationships with major clients like Rolls Royce. Emphasise your strategic thinking and how you can contribute to the company's growth.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on your negotiation skills, analytical abilities, and experience with long-term contract structures. Mention any specific knowledge of repair versus OEM models, as this will set you apart from other candidates.

    Showcase Your Collaborative Approach: Demonstrate your ability to work within a small, dynamic management team. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders and influenced strategy beyond just commercial activities.

    How to prepare for a job interview at EMBS Engineering

    ✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

    Be prepared to discuss your previous commercial successes in detail. Highlight specific examples of complex negotiations and contract management, especially within regulated industries like aerospace. This will demonstrate your understanding of the industry's dynamics and your ability to drive results.

    ✨Understand the Client's Needs

    Research the company thoroughly, especially its relationship with Rolls Royce. Understand their unique contract structures and how they operate. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you can navigate sophisticated commercial landscapes effectively.

    ✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills

    Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with key stakeholders in the past. Use examples that showcase your negotiation skills and your ability to work collaboratively within a small team. This is crucial for a role that involves significant interaction with senior management and board-level discussions.

    ✨Exhibit Strategic Thinking

    Be ready to talk about how you've influenced business strategy beyond just commercial activities. Share instances where your insights have led to successful outcomes, particularly in terms of pricing strategies or business development initiatives. This will highlight your capability to contribute to the company's growth trajectory.

    Head of Sales and Commercial - Aerospace
    EMBS Engineering
    E
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