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- Tasks: Lead and develop a dedicated naval sales team while driving complex sales strategies.
- Company: Join a respected defence engineering organisation at a pivotal growth stage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, corporate bonus, hybrid working, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector with strategic influence and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Senior sales experience in naval or defence sectors with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration with top industry professionals.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Fortress Recruit is working with a well-established defence engineering organisation to appoint a Head of Sales (Navy), supporting long-term growth across complex naval and submarine programmes. This is a brand-new senior leadership role, created to establish and lead a dedicated naval sales function. The successful candidate will take full ownership of naval sales strategy, shaping commercially robust solutions for mission-critical equipment operating in highly regulated defence environments.
Key responsibilities:
- Owning and delivering the naval sales strategy, pipeline development and forecasting
- Leading, developing and scaling a dedicated naval sales team
- Managing and growing relationships with navies, MOD stakeholders, shipbuilders and prime contractors
- Driving sales activity across new build, upgrade and lifecycle support programmes
- Leading opportunity development, capture planning and bid governance
- Translating complex technical, operational and regulatory requirements into winning commercial solutions
- Working closely with engineering, bids, programme and customer support teams to ensure aligned delivery
- Providing market insight to inform long-term naval strategy and investment decisions
To be considered for this role, you’ll have:
- Considerable senior sales or business development leadership experience within the naval or defence sector
- Proven success managing complex, long-cycle, high-value defence opportunities
- Strong understanding of working with MODs, navies, shipbuilders and prime contractors
- Experience selling complex engineered or manufactured systems in regulated environments
- Credibility and confidence engaging senior military, governmental and executive stakeholders
- A collaborative, structured leadership style with strong commercial acumen
- Current security clearance or eligibility to obtain (5 years UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)
The role plays a pivotal part in driving long-term growth, influencing strategy, and leading complex sales activity across new build and through-life support programmes globally. It is an excellent opportunity to join a respected defence organisation at a pivotal stage of growth, offering genuine strategic influence, autonomy and long-term career progression. This is a Hampshire-based role with hybrid working, including regular UK travel and international travel as required. On offer is a competitive senior salary, alongside a corporate bonus and benefits package.
For a confidential conversation or to request a full job description, please get in touch with Becki at Fortress Recruit.
Locations
Head of Sales in Hampshire, Havant employer: Fortress Recruit Limited
Contact Detail:
Fortress Recruit Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in Hampshire, Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence sector, especially those who have experience with naval sales. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their mission-critical needs and can offer tailored solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in Hampshire, Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in the naval or defence sector. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of Sales role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading a dedicated sales team, so be sure to emphasise your leadership style and any successful teams you've built or managed. We love to see examples of how you’ve developed talent and driven results in previous positions.
Demonstrate Your Market Insight: We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of the naval and defence markets. Use your application to share insights or trends you’ve noticed in the industry, and how you would leverage this knowledge to shape our sales strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Recruit Limited
✨Know Your Naval Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the naval and defence sector. Understand the current trends, key players, and challenges facing the industry. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their sales strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Sales, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to leading and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex sales processes and built strong relationships with stakeholders in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on the specifics of the equipment and systems you'll be selling. Be ready to translate complex technical requirements into commercial solutions, demonstrating your ability to bridge the gap between engineering and sales.
✨Engage with Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's long-term strategy and how you can align your sales efforts with their goals. This not only demonstrates your strategic thinking but also your commitment to the role.
