At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team in the naval sector and drive innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart and sustainable technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, private medical, 25 days holiday, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for global exposure and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of naval construction and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in defence or complex engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Head of Sales - Service - Global Marine & Navy
Leading Service Sales with Integrity and Impact – Driving Strategic Growth and Building Trusted Partnerships for Johnson Controls.
About Us
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
What you will do:
The Head of Service Sales will lead a global team of Sales Managers across all Marine sectors, driving growth in Service, Parts, and Maintenance across Johnson Controls systems—including HVAC, Fire Suppression, Security, Digital Solutions, and Controls & Automation. As part of Johnson Controls’ global strategy to expand service growth, the GM&N Head of Service will report to the Sales Director and lead a dedicated team focused on increasing service repairs and maintenance, winning new business, and expanding share-of-wallet through cross-selling to new and existing customers.
This role is pivotal in shaping and executing a high-impact sales strategy, fostering a coaching-first culture, and delivering exceptional customer value through consultative selling and operational excellence. Supported by inside sales teams, you will take ownership of direct sales initiatives in key market segments, with opportunities to grow and develop the team as success is achieved.
Location:
Ideally, you will be based within EMEA. This position requires proximity to our main customer base, enabling frequent visits to clients throughout Europe and beyond. Travel is expected to be around 20–30 days annually.
Key Responsibilities:
- Champion a Coaching-First Culture: Dedicate significant time to developing your team’s capabilities through structured coaching, regular feedback, and tailored development plans.
- Lead and Inspire: Manage a regional sales team within the Marine sector, fostering a high-performance environment built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Sales Strategy and Execution: Drive B2B sales of HVAC, Fire Suppression, Controls & Automation, and Digital Solutions across Marine applications. Develop and implement effective sales strategies aligned with Johnson Controls’ global service growth objectives.
- Business Development: Identify and pursue new service opportunities in Marine retrofit and maintenance markets. Analyse trends and competitor activity to position offerings strategically and build long-term partnerships with owners, operators, shipbuilders, defence contractors, and government entities.
- Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, end users, and influencers. Conduct regular client visits to understand their needs and ensure our solutions align with project requirements.
- CRM and Pipeline Management: Maintain accurate records of sales activities and client interactions using Salesforce. Manage a healthy sales pipeline and provide regular performance updates.
- Sales Excellence: Use data and insights to identify skill gaps, improve win rates, and implement best practices in consultative and value-based selling.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Segment General Managers, engineering, operations, and program teams to ensure alignment between commercial strategy and project execution.
- Talent Development: Mentor and grow talent within the sales organization, identifying high-potential individuals and creating succession pathways.
- External Representation: Represent Johnson Controls externally, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders in the Marine sector.
- Kaizen & Process Improvement: Embed a culture of continuous improvement by applying Kaizen principles to sales processes. Regularly assess workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement enhancements to drive productivity and customer satisfaction.
Candidate Profile:
An accomplished and driven sales professional with a strong background in complex engineering sectors, ideally with experience in maritime industries such as naval shipbuilding, commercial vessels, or offshore platforms. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on sales execution, demonstrating a proven ability to build long-term customer relationships and deliver value in high-stakes, technically demanding environments.
- Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to lead regional sales teams and execute high-impact strategies.
- Marine Sector Expertise: Strong understanding of Marine market dynamics, including new build, retrofit and service cycles.
- Customer-Centric: Skilled in building trusted relationships and tailoring solutions to customer needs.
- Technical Acumen: Comfortable overseeing specifications, quotations, and project documentation.
- Sales Excellence: Data-driven approach to pipeline management, win-rate improvement and consultative selling.
- Kaizen Mindset: Committed to continuous improvement and process optimization.
- Collaborative: Works effectively across commercial, engineering and operational teams.
- CRM Proficiency: Experienced in Salesforce for managing pipeline and performance metrics.
- Talent Development: Passionate about coaching, mentoring and building succession pathways.
- Professional Presence: Represents the business externally with credibility and influence.
What we offer:
- Competitive Compensation: We offer a salary that matches top industry standards.
- Dynamic Work Environment: Engage in stimulating projects at the forefront of the maritime sector, where innovation meets functionality.
- Career Advancement: Opportunities abound for upward and lateral mobility within the company through structured career paths and mentorship programs.
- Global Exposure: Work with a diverse international team and manage projects that span continents, offering unique challenges and learning opportunities.
- Professional Development: Gain access to an expansive array of professional development resources, including specialized training programs, global networking events and cutting-edge online courses.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: Immerse yourself in an environment that prides itself on technological innovation and leadership in the industry.
- Supportive Corporate Culture: Enjoy a collaborative work atmosphere where creativity and individual contributions are valued and nurtured.
- Sustainability Commitment: Be part of a forward-thinking organization that prioritises sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in its solutions and operations.
Sales Manager in Manchester employer: Johnson Controls, Inc.
Johnson Controls is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits including private medical and a generous pension scheme, and ample opportunities for career advancement across EMEA and APAC, employees are empowered to grow and make a meaningful impact in the naval construction sector. Join us to be part of a future-focused organization committed to sustainability and excellence in HVAC, Fire Suppression, and Refrigeration solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Sales Manager. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Sales Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant industry knowledge, especially in naval or complex engineering sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our sales team in the naval sector.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven sales growth or led successful projects in previous roles to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Johnson Controls, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the naval sector and understand the specific challenges and opportunities it presents. Familiarise yourself with Johnson Controls' products in HVAC, Refrigeration, and Fire Suppression. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sales Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led sales teams in the past, focusing on your coaching style and how you've driven results. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring emerging talent and fostering collaboration.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Given the importance of negotiation in this role, think of specific instances where you've successfully closed deals or navigated complex bid processes. Highlight your strategies and techniques, and be prepared to discuss how you would apply these in the naval defence market.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves developing long-term relationships with key stakeholders. Think about how you've built trust with clients or partners in previous roles. Be ready to share your approach to relationship management and how you plan to engage with shipbuilders and government entities in this position.