At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in Aerospace & Defence, securing strategic deals and establishing long-term relationships.
- Company: Join KX, a leader in Aerospace & Defence with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of defence sales in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-stakes industry while leading strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Aerospace & Defence sales with strong senior-level relationships.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
KX is hiring a VP – Aerospace & Defence (OEM + Primes) to own and drive growth across Aerospace & Defence, focused on OEMs, Defence Prime Contractors and Government Defence organisations in UK and EMEA. This is a high-impact role responsible for defining and executing go-to-market strategy, securing strategic deals, and establishing long-term positions within priority programmes and accounts. The role requires deep sector credibility, existing senior relationships, and the ability to operate effectively across complex, multi-year defence sales cycles.
Skills
- Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
- Credible at senior (C‑suite / Director) level externally and internally.
- Strong commercial and negotiation capability.
- Able to operate autonomously in a lean, high-accountability environment.
- Clear, structured communicator with sound judgement.
Essential Experience
- 10+ years in Aerospace and Defence sales/business development, with a significant portion at senior level.
- Track record of selling software and software‑based solutions.
- Demonstrated success closing large, complex deals with OEMs, Defence Primes, and/or Defence organisations.
- Strong existing relationships with OEMs, Defence Prime Contractors, and Government Defence organisations.
- Deep understanding of defence procurement frameworks, programme lifecycles, and regulated environments.
- Holds a current UK NSV clearance or can undergo and pass UK National Security Vetting.
Success Measures
- Establishment of a credible, high‑value pipeline within priority accounts.
- Conversion of strategic deals and programme wins.
- Strength of relationships at senior levels across OEMs, Defence Primes, and UK and European MOD.
- Contribution to overall A&D revenue growth and market positioning.
- Define and execute sales strategy across priority OEMs, Defence Primes, and existing Defence accounts.
- Build, own, and convert a high‑quality pipeline aligned to key programmes and budgets.
- Lead deal strategy and execution from early positioning through to contract close.
- Establish and manage C‑suite and senior stakeholder relationships across OEMs, Defence Primes, and MOD (or equivalents).
- Define and execute routes to market via OEMs and Defence Prime contractors.
- Lead partnership development and strategic teaming arrangements.
- Engage directly with Defence organisations on priority programmes where relevant.
- Shape deal structures, pricing, and commercial strategy.
- Lead bid strategy, including bid/no‑bid decisions.
- Work closely with technical, pre‑sales, and delivery teams to shape differentiated propositions.
VP A&D Sales (OEM & Primes) in London employer: KX
KX is an exceptional employer for the VP – Aerospace & Defence (OEM + Primes) role, offering a dynamic and high-impact work environment that fosters strategic thinking and autonomy. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, KX provides opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders across the Aerospace and Defence sectors, while promoting a culture of accountability and innovation. Located in the UK, employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere that values deep sector expertise and encourages meaningful contributions to the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP A&D Sales (OEM & Primes) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the Aerospace & Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to your existing contacts. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your deep understanding of defence procurement frameworks and your track record in closing complex deals. We want to see you shine and demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for the VP role!
✨Prepare for the Long Game
Remember, the defence sales cycle can be lengthy and complex. Be ready to discuss your strategies for navigating these cycles and how you plan to build long-term relationships with key stakeholders. We’re looking for strategic thinkers who can execute effectively!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace VP A&D Sales (OEM & Primes) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of VP – Aerospace & Defence. Highlight your experience in sales and business development, especially with OEMs and Defence Primes. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic thinking and execution discipline. Tell us about your existing relationships and how you’ve successfully closed complex deals in the past.
Showcase Your Sector Credibility:We’re looking for someone with deep sector credibility, so don’t hold back! Mention any relevant certifications, clearances, or significant achievements that demonstrate your expertise in the Aerospace & Defence sector.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at KX
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the Aerospace and Defence sector. Understand the current trends, key players, and challenges. This will not only show your passion but also your strategic thinking ability, which is crucial for a VP role.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since this role requires strong existing relationships, be prepared to discuss your connections with OEMs and Defence Primes. Highlight specific examples of how these relationships have led to successful deals or collaborations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Success Stories
Prepare to share detailed accounts of large, complex deals you've closed. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on your negotiation skills and execution discipline.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a VP, you'll need to communicate effectively with C-suite executives. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss your approach to shaping deal structures and pricing strategies in a way that resonates with senior stakeholders.
