Strategic Sales Manager

Strategic Sales Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 70000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Grafton Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales strategies in the UK aviation sector and build key customer relationships.
  • Company: Dynamic company in the aviation industry with a focus on growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, commission, and travel opportunities.
  • Other info: Frequent travel and collaboration with diverse teams.
  • Why this job: Join a high-performance team and make an impact in the aviation market.
  • Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience, preferably in aviation or logistics.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.

Reporting to: Managing Director (UK)

Contract: Permanent

Location: HQ based near Gatwick

Salary: 55,000 – 70,000, plus company car and commission

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results‑driven Strategic Sales Manager to develop and execute sales strategies across the UK aviation sector. This role is responsible for identifying, securing, and growing key accounts within airports, airlines, and ground handling organisations. It is a senior, customer‑facing position requiring strong commercial acumen, consistent field presence, and the ability to manage complex B2B sales cycles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement territory sales plans aligned with the organisation’s strategic growth objectives
  • Identify, research, and prioritise prospective customers across airports, airlines, and ground handling companies
  • Proactively generate new business through structured prospecting, cold outreach, on-site visits, and industry networking
  • Build and deliver tailored value propositions and commercial proposals demonstrating operational and financial benefits
  • Manage the end-to-end sales process, from initial engagement through negotiation, closing, and handover
  • Represent the organisation professionally at customer sites, airports, and industry events in the UK and internationally
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams including operations, product, marketing, and customer success to ensure successful customer onboarding and satisfaction
  • Maintain accurate CRM records, sales forecasts, and pipeline reporting
  • Monitor market dynamics, customer requirements, and competitor activity to inform sales strategy
  • Contribute to a collaborative, high‑performance sales culture through knowledge sharing and mentoring
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies, contractual standards, and applicable regulations

Skills and Experience

  • Proven B2B sales experience with a strong record of achieving or exceeding targets
  • Experience within aviation, ground handling, logistics, or aligned operational environments preferred
  • Demonstrable success in developing and executing strategic sales plans
  • Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building capabilities
  • Comfortable operating in a field‑based role with frequent travel
  • Highly organised, self‑motivated, and commercially focused
  • Professional, collaborative, and able to work effectively across functions

Travel

Regular domestic and international travel is required.

Strategic Sales Manager employer: Grafton Recruitment

As a Strategic Sales Manager at our HQ near Gatwick, you will join a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to driving growth in the UK aviation sector. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages professional development and offers competitive benefits, including a company car and commission structure. With ample opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to employee success, we are an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in a thriving industry.
Grafton Recruitment

Contact Detail:

Grafton Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Sales Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with people in the aviation sector. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might help you land that Strategic Sales Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your past successes in B2B sales. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and driven results in similar environments.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies directly, especially if they align with your career goals. We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chances!

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We believe this small gesture can make a big difference in landing that dream job.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sales Manager

B2B Sales Experience
Strategic Sales Planning
Commercial Acumen
Relationship-Building
Negotiation Skills
Presentation Skills
Customer Engagement
Prospecting
Sales Process Management
CRM Proficiency
Market Analysis
Collaboration
Organisational Skills
Self-Motivation
Field-Based Sales

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Sales Manager role. Highlight your B2B sales experience and any relevant achievements in the aviation sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've developed and executed successful sales strategies in the past.

Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the aviation industry and your ability to manage complex sales cycles. We love candidates who can think strategically and have a strong grasp of market dynamics!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Grafton Recruitment

✨Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the UK aviation sector. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to show how you can add value.

✨Showcase Your Sales Success

Prepare specific examples of your past B2B sales achievements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Highlight how you’ve developed and executed strategic sales plans that led to significant growth.

✨Demonstrate Relationship Building

Since this role involves managing complex sales cycles, be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with key accounts. Share stories that illustrate your negotiation skills and ability to collaborate across functions.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the company’s strategy and culture. Inquire about their approach to customer onboarding or how they stay ahead of market dynamics. This shows you’re thinking strategically about your potential role.

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