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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead defence sales for innovative construction products and develop growth strategies.
- Company: Established manufacturer focused on critical defence infrastructure.
- Benefits: £80,000 base salary, performance bonus, fully expensed car, and executive benefits.
- Why this job: Own the defence sector and influence key projects with long-term stability.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in defence sales and understanding of procurement frameworks.
- Other info: Remote-first role with opportunities for career progression into senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
A Rare Opportunity to Lead Defence Sales for a Construction Products Manufacturer.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced defence-focused sales professional to take ownership of MOD / Defence Estates (DEO/DIO) sales for a well-established manufacturer of construction products supplying into critical defence infrastructure.
Rather than selling commoditised products, you’ll be representing engineered, specification-led construction solutions that are fundamental to the delivery and maintenance of UK defence estates — air bases, naval facilities, training estates, and secure sites.
The business already has capability, product quality, and supply-chain strength. What it needs now is a senior sales leader who understands how defence construction really works — from specification through Tier 1 contractors to framework delivery.
Why This Is a Great Opportunity
- Own the defence sector — this role gives you full responsibility for defence estates and MOD-related sales
- Specification-led selling — influence projects early, not just price-led tenders
- Long-term programmes — defence estates offer stability, repeat work, and framework-driven pipelines
- Executive-level backing — direct access to leadership and decision-makers
- Remote-first role — work from home with travel to sites and clients as required
- A platform to grow into a Head of Defence or Commercial Director position
Who You’ll Be Selling Into
You will work across the defence construction ecosystem, including:
- DEO / DIO / MOD estate stakeholders
- Tier 1 & Tier 2 Contractors: Defence consultants, project managers, and specialist subcontractors
Key Responsibilities
- Lead defence sales for the business’s construction product portfolio
- Develop and execute a defence sector growth strategy
- Secure product specification into defence construction and refurbishment projects
- Navigate MOD procurement, frameworks, and approved supplier routes
- Support bids, tenders, and technical submissions
- Represent the manufacturer at defence and construction industry events
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Proven experience selling into MOD / DIO / Defence Estates
- Strong understanding of defence construction procurement and frameworks
- Background in manufacturing, technical products, or specification-led sales
- Track record of winning and growing long-term defence accounts
- Comfortable operating at senior contractor, consultant, and client level
Package & Benefits
- £80,000 base salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Fully expensed company car or car allowance
- Executive benefits package (pension, private healthcare, etc.)
- Work-from-home flexibility
- All business travel fully expensed
The Bigger Picture
This role offers far more than a standard sales position. You’ll be:
- The go-to defence specialist within the business
- Instrumental in shaping how the manufacturer grows its defence presence
- Working on nationally critical infrastructure projects with long-term security
- Positioned for future progression into senior commercial leadership
Sales Manager in Manchester employer: Morgan Ryder
Contact Detail:
Morgan Ryder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence construction sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Sales Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience with MOD and DIO sales. Share specific examples of how you've navigated procurement processes and secured long-term accounts. This will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their position in the defence construction market and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their growth strategy. Tailor your pitch to show how your skills align with their needs – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for your application and interview process. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out to recruiters.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Defence Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in defence construction and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to navigate MOD procurement and frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about defence sales and how your background aligns with our needs. Be specific about your experience with specification-led selling and long-term account management.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Sector: We want to see that you know the ins and outs of defence construction. Mention any key projects you've worked on or frameworks you're familiar with, and how they relate to the role. This will show us you’re not just another sales candidate.
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. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Ryder
✨Know Your Defence Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the defence construction sector. Understand the key players, procurement processes, and current projects. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Specification-Led Selling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced projects through specification-led selling. Highlight specific instances where your approach led to winning contracts or securing long-term accounts in the defence sector.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your vision for a defence sector growth strategy. Think about how you would navigate MOD procurement and frameworks, and be prepared to share your ideas on securing product specifications in upcoming projects.
✨Engage with Executive-Level Insights
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with executive-level clients in the past. Show that you can build relationships and influence decision-makers in the defence construction ecosystem.
