At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales activities in defence and security sectors across the UK, EU, and US.
- Company: Join Hybrid Air Vehicles, a pioneering company rethinking aviation for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, hybrid working, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to employee wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while growing your career in a values-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales processes, strong communication skills, and a passion for defence and aviation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid (Office in Bedford)
Role type: This is a permanent position
About us
At Hybrid Air Vehicles, we are driven by a single purpose: to Rethink the Skies. We connect the unconnected and offer sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the modern world. Joining our team means contributing to an innovative, values-driven organisation while learning, growing, and helping shape the future of aviation.
The opportunity:
The Defence Sales Manager role is a unique opportunity to support our growth and expansion. This is a hands-on, delivery focused role, where you will manage and progress sales activity in the defence and security sectors in markets including the UK, EU and US, maintaining and developing relationships, progressing commercial agreements across a range of customers. Due to the nature of the role, applicants selected for interview must be eligible to obtain and hold appropriate UK security clearance, if required.
What you will be doing:
- Manage Defence sales activity: Oversee daily sales activities in the UK, EU and US defence markets, progressing opportunities from initial enquiry through to contract closure, while supporting and coordinating with geographically dispersed sales personnel.
- Sales enquiries and CRM stewardship: Maintain accurate records of defence sales opportunities in the CRM system, categorising and prioritising them appropriately. Act as the custodian of defence related sales data to support reporting, pipeline management, and team collaboration.
- Internal collaboration: Work closely with the Marketing team on campaign planning, coordination and CRM management updates. Coordinate with internal teams to identify and attend defence and security-focused events, exhibitions and trade shows that are likely to generate leads or strengthen existing relationships.
- Customer account management: Maintain regular engagement with new and existing defence and security customers, building strong, value-driven relationships and supporting repeat business.
- Feedback and continuous improvement: Document and act upon defence customer and market feedback to support product development, enhancement or refinement and commercial success.
Your skills and experience (Essential):
- Ability to coordinate the full sales process, using a CRM to maintain and develop sales pipelines, applying lead generation and qualification methodologies to support consistent progress.
- Strong communication and organisation skills with the ability to translate detailed technical or product information into clear, engaging discussions with defence and security customers.
- Experience in supporting or undertaking people management, or willingness to develop in a line management capacity.
- Experience contributing to end-to-end sales processes, including pipeline development, opportunity qualification and tracking, contract negotiation, and contract progression.
- Familiarity with working within structured sales methodologies and campaign-based sales processes.
- Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to sales, business development, defence, security or aviation.
About you:
You are a commercially focused professional with experience managing complex and detailed sales environments. You are comfortable working within structured sales processes and will evaluate, prioritise and progress opportunities to ensure resources are focused on high-value prospects that have the greatest impact on business growth. You work collaboratively across teams and bring a strong commitment to upholding organisational values while contributing directly to commercial growth.
Benefits - What’s in it for you?
As a values-driven, people-focused team, we provide a competitive salary informed by leading industry benchmarks, complemented by a thoughtfully designed benefits package that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Our people receive a generous holiday allowance and work shorter Fridays. With hybrid working and flexibility choices available, you will be able to manage your schedule in a way that supports both personal and professional needs. Our Pension and Life Assurance schemes support financial security. We also provide mental, emotional and physical wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, a leading private medical Insurance scheme and a health cash plan.
Equal opportunities:
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe we have a role to play in building not only sustainable aircraft, but a sustainable talent environment that enables us to deliver positive impact at scale. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know – we’ll do our best to support you.
Defence Sales Manager in Bedford employer: Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited
At Hybrid Air Vehicles, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and values-driven employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our Bedford office offers a collaborative work culture with flexible hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and wellness support. Joining our team as a Defence Sales Manager means contributing to meaningful advancements in aviation while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters personal and career development.
Contact Detail:
Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and security sectors. Attend industry events, trade shows, and exhibitions to meet potential clients and partners. Remember, it's all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in aerospace and defence. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed sales processes and built strong customer relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to companies you're interested in, even if they haven't advertised a position. A well-timed email or call can set you apart from the crowd and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and gives us a better sense of who you are. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Sales Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Defence Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in aerospace, defence, or government contracting markets, and show us how your skills align with our mission to Rethink the Skies.
Showcase Your Sales Skills:We want to see your ability to manage the full sales process! Include examples of how you've used CRM systems to maintain sales pipelines and how you've successfully progressed opportunities from enquiry to contract closure.
Communicate Clearly:Strong communication is key in this role. Use your application to demonstrate how you can translate complex technical information into engaging discussions. We love clear, concise writing that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hybrid Air Vehicles Limited
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the defence and security sectors. Understanding the market dynamics will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Master the Sales Process
Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing the full sales cycle. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully progressed opportunities from initial enquiry to contract closure, showcasing your ability to use CRM systems effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice translating complex technical information into clear, engaging discussions. This is crucial for building relationships with defence customers, so think of examples where you've done this successfully in the past.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you've coordinated with marketing or other departments to drive sales success.
