At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in Aerospace & Defence, securing strategic deals and building long-term relationships.
- Company: Join KX, a leader in innovative defence solutions with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: High accountability role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the defence sector while working with top-tier clients.
- 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) employer: KX
KX is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, particularly for the Treasury & Inter-company Accounts Assistant role. With a hybrid working model based in Newry, Northern Ireland, employees benefit from flexible arrangements while being part of a supportive team that values accuracy and attention to detail. The company prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and offers a vibrant environment where individuals can thrive in their finance careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP A&D Sales (OEM & Primes)
✨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 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 peers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in closing complex deals. Share specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and negotiation skills – this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity to tailor your pitch. Research the company and its priorities, and align your skills and experiences with their needs. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re the right fit for their specific challenges.
✨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 growth in the A&D space.
We think you need these skills to ace VP A&D Sales (OEM & Primes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your 10+ years in Aerospace and Defence sales. We want to see your track record of closing large, complex deals, especially with OEMs and Defence Primes. Don’t forget to mention any existing relationships you have in the sector!
Be Strategic and Structured:As a strategic thinker, your application should reflect that. We love clear and structured communication, so lay out your thoughts logically. Show us how you can define and execute a go-to-market strategy effectively.
Demonstrate Your Credibility:You’ll need to be credible at the senior level, so include examples of your interactions with C-suite executives. We want to know how you've built and maintained those high-level relationships in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KX
✨Know Your Sector Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the Aerospace and Defence industry. Brush up on current trends, key players, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Since this role requires strong existing relationships with OEMs and Defence Primes, be prepared to discuss your network. Highlight specific examples of how you've leveraged these connections in past roles to close deals or drive growth.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to defining and executing go-to-market strategies. Use real-life examples to illustrate your strategic thinking and execution discipline, especially in complex sales cycles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a VP, you'll need to communicate effectively with C-suite executives. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and structuring your responses. This will help you convey your ideas with sound judgement and confidence during the interview.
