At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships and manage key accounts in the defence sector.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in lifesaving armour technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by selling products that protect lives globally.
- Qualifications: Sales experience or technical background with strong communication skills.
Location: Coventry, UK (Foleshill Enterprise Park)
Core Hours: 08:00–16:35 (Mon–Thu) | 08:00–15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent (potential hybrid working subject to operational needs + regular UK/international travel)
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum (subject to experience) + bonus + benefits
Please note this job is locally known as Sales and Key Account Executive.
About the role
Help bring products to market that genuinely protect lives. This is an opportunity to represent world-class personal protection products across international defence and law enforcement markets, building relationships with global partners while developing your sales and account management career in a fast-growing defence business. You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy building relationships, identifying opportunities and working with technically advanced products that have real-world impact. This role offers genuine exposure to international defence markets, customer engagement, exhibitions, bids and partner development, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to broaden their commercial and technical sales experience within the defence and security sector. Working alongside engineering, bid and operations teams, you’ll support solutions designed to protect frontline personnel operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments. If you want a role where your work contributes to products that genuinely save lives, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What you’ll get in return
- Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
- Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
- Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
- Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
- Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
- Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
- Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
- Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
What you’ll be doing
Your role is to support the growth of NP Aerospace’s global personal protection business, including ballistic plates, helmets, shields and EOD suits, by developing and managing a network of distribution partners and managing a small number of key customer accounts, while contributing to the generation and conversion of new business opportunities. You’ll work closely with distributors, resellers and agents, supporting onboarding activities, partner engagement and ongoing performance management while building valuable experience in channel sales and international account development. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to business development activity by supporting tenders, quotations and technical proposals, maintaining CRM records and coordinating demonstrations, exhibitions and customer engagement activities. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, bids and operations teams across the business, giving you broad exposure to the full sales and delivery lifecycle. The role includes regular UK travel and occasional international travel, providing opportunities to attend exhibitions, visit customers and represent NP Aerospace within global defence and security markets.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines strong relationship-building skills with commercial awareness and the ability to communicate technical solutions confidently. This could suit someone already working in sales/account management or someone from a technical, engineering or military background looking to move into a more commercial role. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience in sales, business development, account management or a customer-facing technical role
- Experience working with customers, distributors, partners or resellers
- Experience within defence, security, manufacturing or engineering sectors
- Strong commercial awareness and interest in business development and sales growth
- Ability to understand and communicate technical products and solutions
- Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly within the UK and occasionally internationally
Desirable
- Experience within personal protection products or related portfolios
- Exposure to international customers and markets
- Experience supporting bids, tenders or structured sales processes
We recognise that strong commercial people can come from a range of backgrounds. If you have technical or engineering experience and excellent communication skills, we’d still encourage you to apply.
What do we do at NP Aerospace?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry. Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values – Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication – form the bedrock of our culture. Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, incorporates some of the most advanced composite materials available. Alongside this, we deliver highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s most respected defence organisations. Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years and continues to expand across the UK and North America.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants.
Please note: Successful candidates will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and pass necessary checks before employment.
Locations
Key Account Executive in Coventry, Longford employer: N P Aerospace Ltd
At NP Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With competitive benefits including flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to career development, our team members thrive in an environment where their contributions directly impact the safety of frontline personnel globally. Join us in Coventry, where your role as a Key Account Executive will not only advance your career but also play a vital part in delivering life-saving solutions in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Executive in Coventry, Longford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence and security sector. Attend industry events, exhibitions, and even local meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for personal protection products! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or partners, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your values of protecting lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s mission and products. Research NP Aerospace and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals in the defence market.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Executive in Coventry, Longford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Executive role. Highlight your experience in sales, account management, and any technical knowledge that aligns with our products. We want to see how your background fits into our mission of protecting lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working in the defence sector and how your skills can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:Since this role is all about building relationships, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed customer accounts or partnerships in the past. We love seeing real-world impact from your experiences!
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 you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at NP Aerospace!
How to prepare for a job interview at N P Aerospace Ltd
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
As a Key Account Executive, you'll be representing advanced personal protection products. Make sure you research and understand the technical aspects of these products. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Networking is key in this role. Try to connect with current employees or industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. This can give you insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or managed accounts, especially in challenging environments.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Awareness
Demonstrate your understanding of the defence and security sectors. Be prepared to discuss market trends, competitors, and how NP Aerospace fits into the larger picture. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's success.
