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- Tasks: Lead and develop a dedicated naval sales team while driving strategic sales initiatives.
- Company: Join a respected defence engineering organisation at a pivotal growth stage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, corporate bonus, hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.
- 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 and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration with top industry professionals.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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.
Head of Sales in 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 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, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in 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.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership position, emphasise your experience in leading teams and managing complex sales strategies. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop a dedicated naval sales team.
Highlight Your Relationships: Demonstrate your ability to manage relationships with MOD stakeholders, navies, and shipbuilders. We value candidates who can engage effectively with senior military and governmental figures.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on our radar!
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 key players, current trends, and challenges facing the industry. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can shape the naval sales strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully developed sales teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your collaborative and structured style, especially in high-stakes environments.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Since the role involves translating complex technical requirements into commercial solutions, brush up on relevant technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated regulatory environments and worked with engineering teams to deliver results.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience engaging with senior military and governmental stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your credibility and confidence in these interactions, as this will be crucial for building relationships in the role.
