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- Tasks: Lead strategic growth in the UK Aerospace & Defence market and drive customer engagement.
- Company: Join IFS, a billion-dollar tech company with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, diverse environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity and fosters innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a global team while tackling society's greatest challenges.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in enterprise software sales and strong knowledge of the Aerospace & Defence industry.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
IFS is a billion‑dollar revenue company with 7000+ employees on all continents. Our leading AI technology is the backbone of our award‑winning enterprise software solutions, enabling our customers to be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™. Our commitment to internal AI adoption has allowed us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring our colleagues can unlock their creativity and productivity, and our solutions are always cutting‑edge.
At IFS, we’re flexible, we’re innovative, and we’re focused not only on how we can engage with our customers but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact. We help solve some of society’s greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust. We celebrate diversity and understand our responsibility to reflect the diverse world we work in. We are committed to promoting an inclusive workforce that fully represents the many different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints of our customers, our partners, and our communities.
By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world. We’re looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs. With the power of our AI‑driven solutions, we empower our team to change the status quo and make a real difference.
IFS is expanding its footprint in the UK Aerospace & Defence market. We are seeking a strategic, results‑oriented professional to lead growth across key accounts in the UK Aerospace & Defence market. You will work as part of both the IFS One Europe & LatAm team and the Global Aerospace & Defence team, collaborating closely with regional and global stakeholders.
IFS is independently recognised as a leading global supplier of enterprise software specifically designed for the A&D market, providing solutions for:
- Aerospace & Defence manufacturing – enabling complex industrial programmes
- Commercial aviation – delivering solutions for airlines and MRO providers
- Defence – supporting regulated programmes and military operations
- Fleet and asset management – optimising lifecycle performance
- Military logistics – ensuring supply chain readiness
- Services and performance‑based logistics – driving efficiency and value
This role offers the opportunity to lead strategic new business pursuits while expanding existing complex engagements. You will also develop relationships across the broader UK defence and aerospace supply chain. The role is ideal for ambitious, commercially‑driven leaders seeking to grow IFS’s presence in the UK.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, update, develop, and own the Key Account Strategy for named strategic accounts
- Drive the end‑to‑end sales process, from customer engagement and understanding customer needs and buying processes, through to ownership of the RFI/RFP process
- Take overall responsibility for customer satisfaction, working closely with IFS service delivery and partner teams
- Collaborate with the Global Aerospace & Defence Team to build strong internal networks and secure regional support
- Lead and coordinate ecosystem partners for complex A&D opportunities
- Engage with executive‑level and state‑adjacent stakeholders to secure alignment, drive and deliver strategic outcomes
Essential skills / experience
- Extensive experience selling large, complex enterprise software solutions
- Proven track record in enterprise sales at C‑level with customers exceeding £1bn revenue
- Demonstrated success with large transactions and lengthy sales cycles in a fast‑paced, consultative, and competitive market
- Sales experience within the defence, aerospace and/or government sectors
- Strong knowledge of the Aerospace & Defence industry
- Excellent English oral and written communication business presentation skills
- Proven ability to lead multi‑functional teams and orchestrate complex partner ecosystems
Preferred skills / experience
- Enterprise software sales experience, preferably in a related industry
- Experience leading large, complex accounts and driving value‑based outcomes
- Familiarity with regulated procurement environments and public‑sector sales processes
We embrace flexibility and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, while also valuing inclusive workplace experiences. By fostering a sense of community, we drive innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging. Our commitment ensures you can work in a way that suits you best, while also engaging with colleagues to share ideas and build meaningful relationships.
Strategic Account Executive - Aerospace and Defence in Staines employer: IFS
Contact Detail:
IFS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Executive - Aerospace and Defence in Staines
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Aerospace and Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research IFS and its role in the Aerospace and Defence market. Understand their products and how they impact customers. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to speak about your experience, focus on specific results you've delivered in previous roles. Use metrics and examples that highlight your ability to drive sales and customer satisfaction in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Team Purple and making a difference in the Aerospace and Defence industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Executive - Aerospace and Defence in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Account Executive role. Highlight your experience in enterprise software sales and any relevant work in the aerospace and defence sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven sales or improved customer satisfaction in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you can make at IFS.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s industry-specific. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFS
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Aerospace and Defence sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and key players. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Master the Sales Process
Understand the end-to-end sales process, especially for complex enterprise software solutions. Be ready to discuss your experience with customer engagement, RFI/RFP processes, and how you've driven customer satisfaction in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed key account strategies in the past. Highlight your ability to lead multi-functional teams and orchestrate complex partner ecosystems, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Executive-Level Insights
Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with C-level executives and state-adjacent stakeholders. Share specific instances where you've secured alignment and delivered strategic outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a high-stakes environment.