At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing sales team and drive revenue growth in aerospace and defence.
- Company: Join a respected engineering group with a strong culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, outstanding bonus scheme, executive car, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for strategic influence and career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-growth engineering business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales leadership experience in aerospace or defence sectors.
Critical Engineering / Aerospace & Defence
£110,000 - £160,000 Basic salary DOE
Outstanding open-ended bonus scheme OTE £180,000 - £250,000+ uncapped
Executive Company Car / Car Allowance
Private Healthcare
31 days holiday + bank holidays
Senior Leadership Team position
Strategic, high-impact role within a market-leading engineering group
Private Equity backed with aggressive growth and acquisition strategy
Buy & Build strategic influence
Aerospace / Defence / Precision Engineering / Advanced Manufacturing / Systems Integration
UK Wide Home Based (flexible location)
Mercury Hampton Ltd has been exclusively retained by a highly respected, engineering-led organisation operating across the aerospace and defence sectors. The organisation is seeking to appoint a commercially astute Sales Director to lead and execute its next phase of strategic growth.
This is a pivotal leadership role focused on scaling revenue across complex, high-value programmes within aerospace, defence, and advanced engineering environments. You will be responsible for driving sales performance across OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and MOD-aligned programmes, positioning the business as a trusted partner for mission-critical engineering solutions.
This role requires a polished, credible leader with experience selling complex engineered products, systems, or services into highly regulated and technically demanding markets.
Typical customers and stakeholders may include: BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Leonardo, Thales, MBDA, QinetiQ, GKN Aerospace, Safran, Collins Aerospace, and key MOD procurement frameworks.
The strategic remit includes leadership of the commercial function, development of high-performance teams, and active involvement in M&A strategy, including identifying and integrating acquisition targets.
This is an opportunity to play a defining role in shaping a high-growth engineering business with a strong culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and delivery.
Responsibilities:- Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing national sales team including account directors, business development managers, and bid specialists
- Strategic Hiring: Build and scale the commercial function, with responsibility for hiring key roles across sales, marketing, and bid management
- Client Development: Establish and grow relationships with key aerospace and defence OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and government stakeholders
- Revenue Growth: Drive sustainable revenue growth through strategic account penetration, long-term framework agreements, and high-value programme wins
- Strategic Input: Contribute to board-level strategy, including market positioning, growth planning, and acquisition targeting within the aerospace and defence landscape
- Commercial Leadership: Proven track record of success in senior B2B sales leadership within aerospace, defence, or advanced engineering sectors
- Technical Sales Expertise: Experience selling complex, high-value engineered solutions or systems into regulated environments
- Market Knowledge: Strong network and understanding of aerospace & defence procurement cycles, frameworks, and stakeholder engagement
- Educational Background: Degree qualified in Engineering, Business, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Leadership Style: Modern, strategic, and inspirational leader with a collaborative and driven mindset
Please click on the apply button or contact Mercury Hampton directly for a confidential discussion. We aim to respond to all successful applicants within 48 hours; however, if you have not heard from us within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Sales Director in Manchester employer: Mercury Hampton
Mercury Hampton Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises technical excellence and employee growth. As a Sales Director in a market-leading engineering group, you will benefit from a competitive salary, outstanding bonus potential, and the opportunity to shape the future of the aerospace and defence sectors while working flexibly across the UK. With a strong focus on strategic leadership and high-performance team development, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly expanding organisation backed by private equity investment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, especially in the aerospace and defence sectors.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its competitors. We want to see you shine, so understand their products, services, and market position. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the company's goals. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery and ensure you come across as confident and credible.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Sales Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Sales Director role. Highlight your experience in aerospace and defence, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive revenue growth and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex sales environments and built strong client relationships.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for a modern, strategic leader. In your application, share your leadership philosophy and how you’ve developed high-performing teams in the past. This will help us see how you can contribute to our culture of collaboration and excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercury Hampton
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the aerospace and defence sectors. Understand the key players like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, and be ready to discuss current trends and challenges. This shows you’re not just a candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sales Director, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, mentored individuals, and driven performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic growth and M&A strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would identify and integrate acquisition targets. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the company’s aggressive growth plans.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable and engage them in conversation about their experiences in the company. This not only shows your interpersonal skills but also your interest in the company culture.
