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- Tasks: Manage key UK naval relationships and drive sales for complex defence programmes.
- Company: Respected defence engineering organisation with a focus on naval systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Influence strategy and contribute to mission-critical naval projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in naval sales, strong communication skills, and existing defence network.
- Other info: Opportunity for career longevity and professional growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fortress Recruit is working with a well-established defence engineering organisation to appoint an experienced Sales Manager (Navy) to support continued growth across complex naval and submarine programmes. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of key UK naval relationships, shaping and delivering commercially robust solutions for mission-critical systems operating in highly regulated defence environments. You’ll play a pivotal role in driving long-term growth, influencing strategy, and leading complex sales activities across new build and through-life support programmes.
Key responsibilities:
- Managing and developing relationships with UK naval and defence customers
- Driving sales activity across new build and lifecycle support programmes
- Leading opportunity development, capture planning, and bid coordination
- Translating complex technical and operational requirements into commercial solutions
- Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and programme teams to deliver aligned outcomes
- Contributing market insight to inform naval strategy and future business planning
- Supporting pipeline forecasting and long-term growth initiatives
To be considered for this role, you'll have:
- Proven experience in a sales or business development role within the naval or marine defence sector
- Strong understanding of complex engineered or manufactured systems
- Existing network within the UK defence or naval customer community
- Experience managing long-cycle, high-value sales opportunities
- Confident communicator able to engage senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- A self-motivated, commercially astute professional with a collaborative working style
- Current security clearance or eligibility to obtain (5 years UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)
This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected defence organisation working on long-term, strategically important naval programmes, offering genuine influence, autonomy, and career longevity. This is a Hampshire-based role with hybrid working, and regular travel to both UK and overseas customer sites. On offer is a competitive salary, alongside bonus and benefits package.
For a confidential conversation or to request a job description, please apply with your full CV and Becki will be in touch with you.
Sales Manager (Naval) in Portsmouth employer: Fortress Recruit Limited
Contact Detail:
Fortress Recruit Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager (Naval) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the naval and defence sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their key clients and recent developments in the naval sector. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight specific examples of how you've driven sales or developed relationships in previous roles. We love hearing about your successes and how they can translate into value for the new role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who are eager to make an impact in the naval defence space. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager (Naval) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Sales Manager (Naval). Highlight your experience in managing relationships with UK naval and defence customers, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of complex engineered systems.
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales activity and manage long-cycle, high-value opportunities. Numbers and results can really make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain how your skills align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want to see your potential without wading through fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Recruit Limited
✨Know Your Naval Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the naval and marine defence sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with UK naval and defence customers. Highlight your ability to engage senior stakeholders and collaborate with cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for the Sales Manager role.
✨Translate Technical Jargon into Commercial Solutions
Be ready to discuss how you've previously translated complex technical requirements into actionable commercial solutions. Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of both the technical and business aspects of sales.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-value sales opportunities. Think about challenges you've faced in the past and how you overcame them, particularly in long-cycle sales situations. This will showcase your strategic thinking and adaptability.