At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team and drive sponsorship revenue in the defence sector.
- Company: Join a leading international B2B events organisation with a focus on defence and security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped commission, hybrid work, and clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape commercial strategy and make a real impact in a growing industry.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales leader with experience in high-value sponsorship and consultative sales.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on professional development and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading international B2B events and intelligence organisation operating across the defence and security ecosystem is seeking an experienced Divisional Sponsorship Sales Director. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving sponsorship revenue across a strategic portfolio of defence-focused conferences, digital events, and integrated campaigns. You will play a critical role in shaping commercial strategy, leading and developing a high-performing sales team, and building long-term partnerships with senior stakeholders across defence primes, SMEs, government bodies, and solution providers.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior sales leadership across multiple defence and security sponsorship campaigns (live, digital, and hybrid formats)
- Lead, manage, and develop a team of up to 5 sponsorship sales professionals against ambitious growth targets
- Own and deliver divisional sponsorship revenue performance, consistently hitting and exceeding targets
- Build and maintain long-term strategic relationships with key defence-sector clients and partners
- Drive the commercial development of both established defence portfolios and emerging capability areas
- Design and implement divisional sponsorship revenue strategy aligned with wider business objectives
- Work closely with marketing, content, and operations teams to optimise product-market fit and commercial outcomes
- Deliver structured coaching, mentoring, and professional development to build future sales leadership capability
- Lead cross-team training initiatives to improve sales skills, knowledge, and processes
- Implement sales productivity and performance improvement initiatives
- Conduct regular forecasting, pipeline reviews, and performance reporting with senior leadership
- Contribute to product innovation and the development of new commercial opportunities within the defence sector
About You
- Proven senior B2B sales leader with experience managing high-value sponsorship, media, events, or solutions-based sales
- Strong track record of delivering and exceeding revenue targets in complex, consultative sales environments
- Experience selling into defence, security, government, or highly regulated B2B sectors is highly desirable
- Confident people leader with a passion for coaching, developing, and scaling sales teams
- Strategic thinker with hands-on commercial acumen and the ability to lead from the front
- Comfortable engaging at C-suite and senior decision-maker level
- Highly organised, data-driven, and commercially focused
What’s On Offer
- Competitive base salary of £60,000–£80,000, depending on experience
- Year 1 OTE £150,000+, growth YoY
- Uncapped commission and override scheme with strong earning potential
- Opportunity to lead a strategically important defence-sector portfolio
- Clear scope for progression within a growing international organisation
- Hybrid working model and a collaborative, high-performance culture
Divisional Sales Director employer: Insight Select
Contact Detail:
Insight Select Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Sales Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the defence and security sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry leaders, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in B2B sales. Share specific examples of how you've driven revenue and built partnerships in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its position in the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their commercial strategy and lead a high-performing sales team. Practise common interview questions and prepare some insightful questions of your own to show your interest.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success in the defence events space.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Sales Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Divisional Sales Director role. Highlight your achievements in B2B sales, especially in defence or security sectors, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your leadership style can drive our sponsorship revenue. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples where you've exceeded targets or built strong client relationships. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Insight Select
✨Know Your Defence Sector Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence and security landscape. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and recent events. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive sponsorship revenue effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Divisional Sales Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a sales team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching, mentoring, and achieving ambitious targets. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with their company culture.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to shaping commercial strategies and building long-term partnerships. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles and be prepared to discuss how you would apply similar tactics in this new position.
✨Engage with C-Suite Scenarios
Since you'll be engaging with senior decision-makers, practice articulating your value proposition clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to their business objectives and enhance their sponsorship offerings, showcasing your commercial acumen and strategic thinking.