At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales in the defence sector, managing opportunities from start to finish.
- Company: Dynamic SME with a supportive team culture and strong growth in defence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, car allowance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team where your contributions truly matter.
- Why this job: Leverage your defence knowledge in a role that makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in defence sales or relevant military experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Salary: £40,000–£50,000 + commission + car allowance. You’ve spent years understanding how defence procurement really works – not the textbook version, but the real‑world navigation of frameworks, stakeholders, and long sales cycles. Now you’re ready to put that knowledge to work in a commercial role where your network and sector credibility are your biggest assets, within a supportive team environment with mentorship. Due to the nature of this recruitment consultancy, we are only able to represent individuals who are ex‑military. Our client is a well‑established, growing manufacturer of specialist technical products with a strong and growing footprint across the defence sector, including established relationships with the MoD and multiple defence primes. This is a brand‑new role, created to accelerate their growth in Land Defence specifically.
Responsibilities
- Identifying and winning new business across global Land platforms and systems, while growing revenue within existing accounts.
- Managing the full opportunity lifecycle, from early engagement and requirement shaping through to capture planning and handover to bid execution.
- Building and managing a qualified Land opportunity pipeline (armoured vehicles, tactical platforms, land systems integration).
- Developing early‑stage relationships with OEMs, system integrators, and Tier 1 primes.
- Navigating MoD and international procurement frameworks with confidence.
- Collaborating internally on pricing, bid strategy, and commercial terms.
- Representing the business at UK and international trade exhibitions.
Qualifications & Eligibility
- 5+ years in defence sales, business development, or account management, OR a military career with materiel, procurement, or land capability experience.
- A solid working knowledge of MoD procurement processes, contracting models, and stakeholder structures.
- Ideally, familiarity with Land environments – armoured vehicles, tactical platforms, or related systems.
- Commercial credibility – you know how to build a pipeline, qualify opportunities, and close.
- A technical or engineering background is a bonus, as is experience with export controls or international defence sales, but neither is essential.
Company Culture
This is an SME with real momentum – a close‑knit team, strong retention, and a culture where people genuinely support each other. You won’t be a cog in a machine. You’ll be expected to take ownership, move at pace, and contribute to a business that is growing quickly.
Benefits
- Security clearance eligibility required.
- Package includes 32 days’ annual leave (rising to 37), 7% employer pension, healthcare cash plan, group life insurance, profit share, and more.
Sales Manager – Defence Land (110lw) (North Yorks (hybrid, 2 days onsite) employer: Ex-mil Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Sales Manager in Defence Land, where your military background and expertise will be valued in driving growth within a well-established manufacturer. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that prioritises mentorship and personal development, alongside competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for profit sharing. This role not only offers the chance to make a significant impact in the defence sector but also provides a fulfilling environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager – Defence Land (110lw) (North Yorks (hybrid, 2 days onsite)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meet-ups. The more you mingle, the better your chances of landing that Sales Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of defence procurement. Share real-world examples of how you've navigated complex frameworks and built relationships – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Leverage Your Military Background
If you're ex-military, use that to your advantage! Highlight your experience and understanding of MoD processes during conversations. It’s a unique asset that can really resonate with employers in this field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s make it happen together.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager – Defence Land (110lw) (North Yorks (hybrid, 2 days onsite)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Sales Manager – Defence Land. Highlight your experience in defence sales and any relevant military background. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in defence procurement and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Network:Since your network is one of your biggest assets, make sure to mention key relationships you've built within the defence sector. We love to see how you’ve navigated frameworks and stakeholders, so give us the juicy details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ex-mil Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Defence Procurement Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of defence procurement processes. Be ready to discuss real-world examples of how you've navigated frameworks and engaged with stakeholders. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience that can benefit the company.
✨Leverage Your Network
Your network is one of your biggest assets in this role. Prepare to talk about key relationships you've built in the defence sector, especially with OEMs and Tier 1 primes. Highlight how these connections can help the company grow its business in Land Defence.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Strategy
Be ready to outline your approach to building and managing a sales pipeline. Discuss specific strategies you've used to qualify opportunities and close deals, particularly in long sales cycles. This will demonstrate your commercial credibility and ability to drive revenue.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Company Culture
This role is in a close-knit team environment, so express your excitement about being part of a supportive culture. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in the past and how you plan to take ownership and move at pace in this new role.
